Latest California Healthline Stories
Rising Insurance Costs Make Consumers Uneasy
Meetings required by the 2003 Medicare law will gauge public opinion on health insurance as the costs to consumers rise and more employers drop coverage for workers. Los Angeles Times.
Tax Measure Will Stay on Ballot
A judge rejected a legal challenge to a proposed half-cent sales tax increase, some of which could be used for health care, on the June ballot in Santa Clara County. San Jose Mercury News.
Some Seniors Pay More Under Medicare Part D
Copayments increased for those enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Plans after the insurer added more brand name drugs to its formulary in order to comply with Medicare Part D. Sacramento Bee.
California Healthline Highlights Recent Hospital News
Financial losses increase at Doctors Medical Center, San Pablo; Banning voters approve hospital bond measure
Summit Addresses State Preparedness for Pandemic Flu
The ability of hospitals to handle large numbers of patients in the event of a flu pandemic is the state’s greatest challenge in preparedness, according to speakers at a summit. Los Angeles Times, Ventura County Star.
State Ordered To Pay Prison Doctors
A federal judge ordered the prison health care system must pay tens of millions of dollars in outstanding doctor bills, some of which are four years old. Los Angeles Times.
Fresno County Mental Health Jobs Cut
Supervisors approved staff cuts at the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health in an effort to reduce the department’s budget deficit. Fresno Bee.
Indian Clinics Face Funding Cuts, Closure
Federal funding cuts to American Indian clinics in urban areas could lead to the closure of a Santa Barbara clinic that provides culturally sensitive care. Ventura County Star.
Prayer Has No Positive Effect on Surgery Recovery, Study Finds
Heart surgery patients show no benefit when strangers pray for their recovery, according to a new study. AP/Richmond Times-Dispatch, et al.
Confirmation of FDA Commissioner Unlikely
FDA’s delay of a decision on Barr Laboratories’ application for nonprescription sales of the emergency contraceptive Plan B could make confirmation of a commissioner for the agency unlikely. CQ Today.