Latest California Healthline Stories
Job Training Programs Could Address Poverty
Providing low-wage workers with training and jobs in health care and other industries could reduce the number of low-wage workers in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Times.
Forum Addresses Questions on Medicare Drug Benefit
PBS stations statewide on Sunday will begin airing a forum addressing questions about eligibility, benefits and other issues related to the Medicare drug benefit. Video.
County Expands Children’s Insurance Program
Two grants will allow Alameda County to expand enrollment in its Healthy Kids program by 150 children. Oakland Tribune.
Moderates, Conservatives Call for Changes to House Bill
House Republican leaders are seeking to address concerns after moderate Republicans sought an increase to the discretionary spending cap to ensure that health and other programs receive additional funds. CQ Today, et al.
Air Pollution Contributes to Health, Other Costs
Poor air quality in the San Joaquin Valley contributes to more than $3 billion annually in costs from hospital admissions, missed days of work and school and other health problems, a study found. Fresno Bee, et al.
Assembly Approves New HIV Reporting System
A bill to establish a names-based reporting system for new HIV patients to retain federal funding will return to the Senate after gaining unanimous approval in the Assembly. Los Angeles Times.
Transitional Coverage Under Medicare Drug Benefit Expires
Some advocates are concerned that some beneficiaries might not be aware that they have been receiving their medications under the transitional period and that they will face difficulty obtaining needed medications beginning April 1. San Francisco Chronicle, et al.
County Faces Ongoing Nurse Shortage
There are not enough new nurses in San Luis Obispo County to alleviate the nursing shortage, but local hospitals are not able to accommodate additional nursing trainees, a grand jury report concluded. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Bustamante Accepts Insurance Industry Contributions
Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Insurance Commissioner, has accepted campaign donations, meals and travel from the insurance industry, leading some to question whether he will be influenced by the industry. San Francisco Chronicle.
Cancer Groups Lobby Against Proposed Spending Reduction
The lobbying effort has highlighted potential developments in cancer research that the proposed spending reduction in President Bush’s budget proposal could affect. Baltimore Sun.