Latest California Healthline Stories
Extension Sought on Medicare Rx Benefit Enrollment Deadline
Two New Jersey senators called for an extension of the May 15 deadline for Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in the prescription drug benefit. Associated Press, Manchester Union Leader.
Health Program for Children To Expand Nationwide
Boston Medical Center on Monday plans to expand nationwide a program that partners physicians, attorneys and social workers to provide healthy residential environments for low-income children. Boston Globe.
Insurance Mandate Would Face Obstacles in California
Massachusetts’ health insurance mandate would face additional challenges in California because of demographic differences between the two states. Sacramento Bee et al.
Legislation Addresses Payment of Medicare Drug Benefit Claims
Senate Republicans and Democrats have introduced separate bills that would require Medicare prescription drug plans to reimburse pharmacists’ claims within specified timeframes. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Health, Nutrition Grants Available
Grant applications are being accepted for programs focusing on health and nutrition, and to promote competition in California as part of an antitrust settlement involving vitamin manufacturers. Cypresfunds.net.
Seismic Retrofit Cost Estimates Could Double
Compliance with state seismic safety standards could cost hospitals twice as much as previously estimated because those estimates did not include financing expenses. San Francisco Business Times.
FBI Investigates UCI Liver Program
The FBI has launched a criminal inquiry into the University of California-Irvine Medical Center’s liver transplant program although it is unclear what aspect of the program is the target of the probe. Los Angeles Times.
Physician Group Criticized Over Exclusivity Deals
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors president issued a resolution critical of a physician group for trying to gain exclusive contracts with a physician group that caters to the Chinese community. New America Media.
Brand-Name Wholesale Drug Prices Increase
Wholesale prices for brand-name prescription drugs increased by an average of 6% in 2005, according to a new AARP report. USA Today.
Leavitt Urges States To Use Cost-Control Tools
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said Medicaid programs should focus on providing “basic care” to large numbers of people instead of “unlimited care” for the beneficiaries with the lowest incomes. CQ HealthBeat.