Latest California Healthline Stories
Fast Food Chains Sued in Class Action on Behalf of Overweight Children
An overweight New York resident yesterday filed a second class-action lawsuit against fast-food chains McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and KFC on behalf of overweight children, USA Today reports.
Pharmacists’ Strike Averted at Grocery Store Chain, Both Sides Agree to Federal Mediation
A federal mediator has joined contract negotiations between Raley’s supermarket and its pharmacists, who have been without a contract since Sunday, when an extension of the previous contract expired, the Stockton Record reports.
Blue Shield of California has contracted with an additional 800 doctors, six medical groups and independent practice associations and two hospitals in preparation for a “wave of new business” from CalPERS, the San Francisco Business Times reports.
The California Teachers Association and the California Association of Health Plans on Wednesday launched a statewide program under which school teachers will inform parents about health insurance options for their children, such as Medi-Cal, Healthy Families or Healthy Kids, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
AAHP, AHA Plan To Lobby Congress Next Week for Increased Medicare Reimbursement
The American Hospital Association and the American Association of Health Plans will lobby Congress on Sept. 10 for increased Medicare reimbursements, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Los Angeles Unified School District, Unions Reach Agreement on Health Benefits
The Los Angeles Unified School District and seven unions on Tuesday reached an agreement on health benefits for more than 100,000 active and retired district employees, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Oregon Company Launches New Electronic Medical Record System for Small Physician Practices
An Oregon startup company last month launched an electronic medical record system targeted at small physician practices, the Portland Business Journal reports.
Seniors Plan To Show Anger Over Congress’ Failure To Pass Medicare Rx Drug Benefit During Elections
Seniors are “angry” that Congress has failed to pass a Medicare prescription drug benefit and plan to “show their disappointment” in the November elections, according to a new survey, Long Island Newsday reports.
Kaiser Donates $1 Million to Duke University Rather than Cover Cost of Experimental Treatment
In an “unexpected turnaround,” Kaiser Permanente yesterday announced plans to award a $1 million research grant to Duke University rather than cover the cost of two $600,000 treatments for brothers who have a rare, incurable and often fatal illness, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Orange County Register Recommends Veto of Several Health-Related Bills
An Orange County Register editorial today recommends that Gov. Gray Davis (D) veto several health-related bills passed by the Legislature in the past month.