Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorials Address Ballot Measure To Fund Stem Cell Research
Three newspapers recently published editorials addressing Proposition 71, a measure on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot that would issue state bonds to raise an average of $295 million annually over 10 years to promote stem cell research.
Schwarzenegger Vetoes Series of Health-Related Bills
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Wednesday vetoed a series of health-related bills, “sid[ing] with hospital and insurance interests” and showing that he would “take a hands-off approach to how these heavily regulated industries conduct business,” the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Supporters, Critics Debate Effects of Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage Law
The Bakersfield Californian on Tuesday looked at the ongoing debate surrounding Proposition 72, a measure on the Nov. 2 ballot under which voters can uphold or reject a law (SB 2) that will require some employers to provide health insurance to employees or pay into a state fund to provide such coverage.
Kerry Focuses on Medicare During Campaign Stops in Florida
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry (Mass.) on Wednesday in Florida “extended his assault on President Bush’s credibility,” charging that Bush had not been truthful to the public about the new Medicare law, the New York Times reports.
HHS To Mail Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Cards to Low-Income Beneficiaries
As expected, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson on Wednesday announced that federal officials will mail Medicare prescription drug discount cards to about 1.8 million low-income beneficiaries who already receive some government assistance with Medicare expenses, the New York Times reports.
Privately Insured Chronically Ill Struggle to Pay Medical Bills, Study Finds
An increasing percentage of privately insured workers with chronic illnesses are spending more than 5% of their annual income on out-of-pocket health care costs as more employers shift costs to employees, according to a study released Thursday by the Center for Studying Health System Change, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Editorials Recommend ‘No’ Vote on Ballot Measure To Fund Expansion of Mental Health Services
Two newspapers recently published editorials addressing Proposition 63, a measure on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot to finance an expansion of mental health services by a 1% increase in the state personal income tax for individuals whose annual incomes exceed $1 million.
Newsom Announces Tier System for San Francisco Paramedics, Firefighters
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (D) on Tuesday announced plans to create a three-tiered system of San Francisco paramedics, firefighters and firefighter paramedics to replace a seven-year merger between firefighters and paramedics, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Prison Doctors Subject To Evaluations Under Court Agreement
Physicians working in each of the state’s 32 prison facilities by 2006 must complete a series of written and oral examinations to assess their medical knowledge under an agreement made public Wednesday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Senate Committee Approves Funding for Insurance Pools for High-Risk Individuals
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday approved a bill (S 2283) that would provide funding for grants to states to create health insurance pools for high-risk individuals, CQ Today reports.