Latest California Healthline Stories
Democrats Outline Proposed Changes to Medicare Drug Benefit
Some House and Senate Democrats propose several legislative changes to the Medicare prescription drug benefit. CQ HealthBeat, et al.
Supervisor Proposes Prescription Redistribution Program
San Mateo County Medical Center could be home to a year-long pilot program to redistribute unused prescription drugs to low-income patients. San Francisco Examiner.
Health Insurance Mandate Changes Reduce Fees for Small Businesses
Amendments to a proposed employer health insurance mandate in San Francisco would require smaller businesses to pay less toward health coverage than larger firms and base employer contributions on the number of hours that employees work. San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner.
Inadequate Care Found in UCI Kidney Program
A CMS report cites deficiencies in staff training and patient care at the University of California-Irvine Medical Center’s kidney transplant program. UCI could release its own review as early as Thursday. Los Angeles Times, et al.
Ongoing Medi-Cal Reimbursement Negotiations Draw Criticism
A San Joaquin County supervisor says he will consider calling for the closure of the county hospital if it does not receive funds from Medi-Cal by the end of March. Sixty percent of the county hospital budget is from Medi-Cal. Stockton Record.
States Take Actions Related to Medicare Drug Benefit
Arkansas will continue to provide emergency drug coverage to some Medicare beneficiaries, and the Minnesota governor expects HHS to approve a waiver allowing the state to extend drug coverage. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Price of Treatment Might Dissuade Patients
Doctors say that breast and lung cancer patients might be reluctant to use Avastin, a treatment currently used to treat colon cancer, because of plans to charge as much as $100,000 for a year’s supply of the drug. New York Times.
Health Care Cost Misperceptions Contribute to Problems, Hubbard Says
The National Economic Council director says the largest cause of increased health care costs is the public “perception that health care is free.” CQ HealthBeat.
Republican Senators Discuss Drug Benefit With McClellan, Leavitt
Republicans met with the heads of FDA and HHS in advance of an expected “Democratic assault” on the Medicare drug benefit. The Hill.
Democrats Will Oppose Governor’s Bond Proposal
Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez said legislative Democrats will seek to include funds to help hospitals comply with state seismic safety rules in a state bond measure but added that they would oppose the proposal as it currently is structured. Sacramento Bee.