Latest California Healthline Stories
Maine Department of Human Services Commissioner Kevin Concannon on Tuesday said that political considerations prompted the U.S. Department of Justice to file a brief with the Supreme Court last month in opposition to Maine Rx.
Stanislaus County Launches Program To Provide Health Care to Uninsured Children, Pregnant Women
The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously voted to accept funds from the Children and Families Commission to help finance a health care program for children, the Modesto Bee reports.
House Committee To Address Generics Bill Next Week, but Passage Remains ‘Unlikely’
The House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing next week to discuss a generic drug bill approved by the Senate in July, but the House “still appears unlikely to act” on the legislation, CongressDaily/AM reports.
Consumers Union Asks Lockyer To Investigate Dietary Supplement Manufacturer Metabolife
Consumers Union, a consumer advocacy group, has asked California Attorney General Bill Lockyer (D) to investigate whether San Diego-based dietary supplement manufacturer Metabolife International violated state law by “concealing complaints about health problems with its products,” the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Groups Lobbying for and against $43 Billion Senate Medicare ‘Giveback’ Package
Health care groups with an interest in the Medicare provider “giveback” bill introduced yesterday by Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) are “speaking up” about the package, CongressDaily/AM reports.
Drug makers Bristol-Myers Squibb and GlaxoSmithKline yesterday announced plans to reduce the discount given to Medicare beneficiaries who use the Together Rx pharmacy discount card until a dispute with CMS over drug prices is resolved.
San Diego County Supervisors Vote To Send Letter in Opposition to City Medical Marijuana Program
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted 4-1 to send a letter to the city of San Diego in opposition to a proposed program that would distribute identification cards to registered medical marijuana patients, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
California HealthCare Foundation Releases Annual Report on Health Care Market in State
The state’s health care market has “less turmoil” today than in 2000, but the “relative calm” may hide “significant underlying problems,” according to an annual study of California health plans, hospital systems and physician groups commissioned by the California HealthCare Foundation.
Orange County Supervisors Vote To Increase Funds for Indigent Health Care Program
The Orange County Board of Supervisors yesterday voted 4-0 to restructure the Medical Services for Indigents program, which provides non-mandated care for uninsured county residents, the Los Angeles Times reports.
State Issues Second Report Card on HMOs, Medical Groups
The Office of the Patient Advocate yesterday released its second annual HMO Quality Report Card, which found that while Californians are “generally satisfied” with their health plans and doctors, they “want better access to medical specialists and less time spent in doctor waiting rooms,” the Los Angeles Times reports.