Latest California Healthline Stories
Lawmakers Must Address Health Issues
Gov. Schwarzenegger and the Legislature should focus on four bipartisan health issues, including health coverage for all children in the state, officials from the New America Foundation write. Sacramento Bee.
Medicare Coverage of Spinal Disk Unlikely
A 30-day comment period has ended on a CMS proposal to designate an artificial spinal disk as an unnecessary treatment for Medicare beneficiaries, and analysts do not expect CMS to review their denial of coverage. New York Times.
Language Barriers Could Lead to Lawsuits Against Insurers
Health insurers could face legal challenges if they continue to provide applications and other key documents in English to members who do not speak it as a primary language. Los Angeles Times.
Some Health Facility Inspections Delayed
Department of Health Services officials say staffing problems are to blame for delays in inspections and investigations of complaints at health care facilities throughout the state. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.
State Faults UCI Medical Center in Patient Death
The University of California-Irvine Medical Center violated several health regulations in its treatment of a psychiatric patient who committed suicide at the hospital, a state report found. Los Angeles Times.
Schwarzenegger Requests Extended Reimbursement Period
In a letter to HHS, Gov. Schwarzenegger called for extended state reimbursement for emergency prescription drug coverage, citing several changes to the Medicare drug benefit that could cause problems for beneficiaries. Office of the Governor release.
Meth Use Increases HIV Risk Among Heterosexual Men
A state study finds that heterosexual men in low-income neighborhoods who use methamphetamine engage in high-risk sexual activity, a trend that previously has been documented among men who have sex with men. The study indicates that the group could benefit from HIV-prevention programs designed for MSM and use the drug. San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.
State Releases New Execution Protocol
California’s proposed execution protocol does not require the presence of clinical personnel to administer or monitor a lethal injection. Sacramento Bee.
Conn. Representative Raises Concerns Over Medicare Hospital Payments
House Ways and Means Committee Chair Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.) said she was “terribly worried” about a CMS proposal to cut Medicare payments to long-term care hospitals. CQ HealthBeat.
Hearing Addresses Health Care Price Transparency
Supporters of increased health care cost disclosure said it will help consumers make health care decisions and help reduced costs, but critics said increased transparency will not address the issues of high health care costs and the uninsured. CQ HealthBeat.