Latest California Healthline Stories
Newspapers Examine Medicare Cost Issues
Some Medicare beneficiaries are having difficulty obtaining intravenous immune globulin treatments, and the Bush administration is making an effort to allow Medicare beneficiaries to take ownership of certain medical supplies. Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal.
Senior FDA Officials Must Testify in Plan B Lawsuit
A federal judge rules that senior FDA officials must testify in a lawsuit attempting to force the government to allow nonprescription sales of Plan B. Long Island Newsday.
CMS Plans for State Reimbursements for Medicare Drug Costs
CMS Administrator Mark McClellan tells governors that the Bush administration plans to announce details of a system for states to obtain reimbursements for costs incurred during the launch of the Medicare drug benefit. Reuters/Houston Chronicle, et al.
Blue Cross Coverage Continues at Los Angeles County Hospitals
The Department of Managed Health Care orders Blue Cross of California to continue coverage at three hospitals in Los Angeles County while the agency reviews a plan by the insurer to treat members at other local hospitals. Los Angeles Times.
Hospital Considers Withdrawal From Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan
Western Medical Center-Santa Ana says it will withdraw from Orange County’s Medi-Cal managed care in six months if reimbursement rates do not increase. Los Angeles Times.
Program Aims To Reduce Obesity, Diabetes in Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs and HHS announce a program that is designed to help reduce cases of obesity and diabetes among veterans. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Google Announces Global Disease Monitoring Plan
The director of the new Google philanthropic division announces plans to form an organization that will monitor and detect early signs of “emerging global health crises.” Wall Street Journal.
Proposed Tax Increase Could Fund Health Care, Transit Projects
Santa Clara County supervisors will vote on the inclusion of a sales tax increase on the June ballot. Although the proposed language does not state how funds would be spent, proceeds could be allocated to health care and transportation projects. San Jose Mercury News.
Reiner Takes Leave of Absence as First 5 Chair
Controversy over an advertising campaign funded by the First 5 Commission pushed chair Rob Reiner to take a leave of absence until after the June election. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Wal-Mart CEO Asks NGA To Address Health Care
Wal-Mart CEO H. Lee Scott asks governors at the National Governors Association meeting to work with the company to make health care more affordable. Wall Street Journal, AP/Long Island Newsday.