Latest California Healthline Stories
Reforms to Medicare Payments Unlikely This Year
The chair of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee said Congress is unlikely to modify the Medicare payment formula or medical malpractice laws because 2006 is an election year. CQ HealthBeat.
Some Federal Programs Will Disclose Medical Payment Information
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced that Medicare, Medicaid and the Department of Defense will release information about prices the programs pay for the 20 most common health care procedures. Los Angeles Times, Oakland Tribune.
Majority of Californians Supports Doctor-Assisted Suicide
A recent Field Poll found most Californians believe terminally ill patients should have the right to request medication and assistance in ending their lives. Contra Costa Times, et al.
Poll Finds Continued Support for Abortion Rights
Californians’ views on abortion have remained basically the same over the past 20 years, with a majority supporting a woman’s right to choose, a Field Poll found. Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News.
Health Coverage for Association Members Dropped
Kaiser Permanente will not renew health insurance coverage for some members of business associations because the associations do not qualify under state rules. East Bay Business Times.
Customs Apologizes for Lack of Warning on Prescription Drug Seizures
A federal official apologized for the lack of warning about a recent increase in seizures of medications purchased from Canada. Los Angeles Times.
Medical School Addresses Disparities in Pain Treatment
University of California-Davis Medical School professors are addressing racial disparities in prescribing pain medication. Sacramento Bee.
Medicaid Enrollment Increased 50% in Five Years
Enrollment increases in Medicaid exceeded those in any other large government program over the past five years, according to an analysis. USA Today.
CMS Considers Increases to Pharmacists’ Medicare Payments
The CMS administrator says that the Medicare prescription drug benefit has not caused all of the recent payment issues experienced by pharmacists. AP/Contra Costa Times, et al.
Toxic Chemicals Harmful to Californians, Report Says
A report commissioned by the Legislature advocates legislation to protect residents’ health by reducing the use of toxic chemicals. San Diego Union-Tribune, Los Angeles Times.