Latest California Healthline Stories
U.S. Sales of Generic Medications Could Exceed $28B in 2005, Report Finds
U.S. sales of generic drugs in 2005 are expected to exceed $28 billion — almost 65% more than previous estimates — according to projections released Monday by IMS Health at the Generic Pharmaceutical Association’s policy conference, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Retiree Health Benefits Contribute to Public Agencies’ Projected Unfunded Liabilities
The state’s largest public agencies have $108 billion in unfunded liabilities for retiree pensions, retiree health benefits and workers’ compensation, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
HHS To Provide $200M to Prescription Drug Coverage Program for Coal Miners
HHS has agreed to increase Medicare reimbursements to the United Mine Workers Association Health and Retirement Funds program by $100 million in each of the next two years, Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) said last week, the AP/Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports.
Use of Children as Medical Interpreters in California Examined
“California Connected” — a weekly, hourlong newsmagazine produced by PBS stations in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco that covers state events and issues — on Friday in the first of a three-part series on California’s children entitled, “Kids For Real,” examined the use of children by hospitals in the state to translate “complex and sometimes embarrassing” medical information to their family members.
Medicare Drug Benefit Premiums in California Examined
The Sacramento Bee on Monday examined premiums and plan options in California for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, which will take effect Jan.1, 2006.
AARP Will Endorse One Prescription Drug Ballot Measure
AARP will endorse either Proposition 78 or Proposition 79 within the next two weeks, AARP California Director Tom Porter said on Friday, the AP/Contra Costa Times reports.
Schwarzenegger Names Appointees to Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Thursday announced several appointments, including three appointees to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
Medicare Part B Premiums To Increase by 13.2% in 2006, CMS Announces
The monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which pays for physician visits and some outpatient hospital services, in 2006 will increase by $10.30 to $88.50, CMS officials announced Friday, the AP/San Francisco Chronicle reports.
AP/Sacramento Bee Examines Support, Opposition for Parental Notification Measure
The AP/Sacramento Bee on Saturday examined arguments by supporters and opponents of Proposition 73, which would amend the state constitution to require health care providers to notify a parent or guardian 48 hours before they perform an abortion on an unmarried minor.
New York Times Examines Physician Health Care Information Technology Network
The New York Times on Monday examined the Taconic Health Information Network and Community, which includes 500 upstate New York physicians with solo and small group practices who “are pooling their resources and knowledge” to lower the cost of running a health information technology network.