Latest California Healthline Stories
Wal-Mart CEO, Senator Debate Health Care Costs
The San Francisco Chronicle on Thursday published two opinion pieces as part of a forum on “Who Pays for Health Care.” San Francisco Chronicle.
Medicare Drug Benefit Necessitates Permanent Safety Net, Advocates Say
Senior and patient advocacy groups want California to establish a safety net for low-income and disabled Medicare beneficiaries whose medications might not be covered under the Medicare drug benefit or who cannot afford copayments. Sacramento Bee.
Appropriate Medical Care Provided 55% of Time
U.S. residents receive appropriate medical care about 55% of the time, regardless of race, income, education or health insurance status, a study finds. Philadelphia Inquirer, et al.
Diabetes Advocates Criticize Obesity Ads
A state commission is replacing television advertisements on childhood obesity and diabetes after criticism that they do not distinguish between different types of diabetes. San Francisco Chronicle.
Medicare Drug Benefit Enrollment Deadline Could Be Extended
The Senate approved an amendment that would allow the extension of the enrollment deadline for the Medicare prescription drug benefit. CQ Today, et al.
California Healthline Highlights Recent County News
Los Angeles, Orange and Santa Cruz counties this week took actions related to health care. Los Angeles Times, et al.
Nursing Home Cited in Patient’s Death
The La Jolla Nursing and Rehabilitation Center received the state’s most severe warning for not properly monitoring a patient who later died. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Changes Ordered to Mental Health Treatment for Foster Children
California must use federal Medicaid funds to provide mental health services for foster children in an effort treat them outside of group homes and mental hospitals, a federal judge ruled. Los Angeles Times, et al.
Health Plan Legislation Approved
The Senate HELP Committee voted along party lines to approve a bill that would allow small businesses to form association health plans. Congress Daily, et al.
Rare Immune System Cell Could Be Primary Asthma Trigger
Asthma patients’ lungs contain high levels of a rare immune system cell that can cause tissue inflammation, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine finds. Boston Globe, et al.