Latest California Healthline Stories
California Will Not Sue Over Medicare ‘Clawback’ Provision
Attorney General Bill Lockyer says the federal government’s modification of payment formulas related to dual eligibles makes the lawsuit unnecessary. Los Angeles Times.
California Healthline Highlights Recent Hospital News
Antelope Valley Hospital recognizes union; Sutter Health plans for seismic retrofitting might change
Healthy Kids Programs Could Have Wait Lists for Older Children
Children ages five to 18 in Fresno and Tulare counties could face waiting lists for a program to expand health insurance coverage because of funding limitations. Fresno Bee.
Wal-Mart To Expand Employee Health Coverage
The company will reduce the two-year waiting period for part-time workers to qualify for health benefits and allow part-time workers to enroll their children in the employee health insurance plan. USA Today, et al.
Nursing Home Cited in Burning Death
Palomar Heights Care Center was cited and fined by the state after a man burned to death while the nurse who was supposed to watch him filled out charts. San Diego Union-Tribune.
FDA Official Reports Increase in Voluntary Ad Reviews
There has been a “huge increase” in drug advertisements companies submit to FDA for review, an FDA official says. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Calif. Representative Calls for Repeal of 2003 Medicare Law
Congress should repeal the 2003 Medicare law and draft new legislation to replace it, Rep. Dennis Cardoza says. Meanwhile, some pharmacists and beneficiaries criticize the Medicare drug benefit. Stockton Record, et al.
Medical Professionals Could Affect Future of Death Penalty
How California will carry out death sentences could be called into question by the refusal of medical professionals in the state to be part of the execution process. San Francisco Chronicle, et al.
New Workers’ Compensation Rules Take Effect
New regulations aim to expedite care for workers’ compensation claimants and reduce costs associated with delayed claims. Sacramento Bee.
State Analyst Cites Retiree Health Costs in Budget Review
California needs to begin saving to pay for future retiree health costs, the state legislative analyst says in a review of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s budget proposal. The review also states that the proposal leaves the state vulnerable to multibillion-dollar deficits if revenue decreases. Sacramento Bee, et al.