Latest California Healthline Stories
Massachusetts Company Clones First Human Embryos
Advanced Cell Technology Inc., a biotechnology firm based in Worcester, Mass., announced yesterday that it has created the first cloned human embryos, a “technological breakthrough” that could lead to cures for degenerative diseases, the Worchester Telegram & Gazette reports.
Wellpoint Moves to Buy CareFirst For $1.3 Billion
WellPoint Health Networks has agreed to pay $1.3 billion in a stock and cash deal to acquire CareFirst BlueCross Blue Shield, the largest health insurer in the Washington-Baltimore area, the Washington Post reports.
San Diego Close to Implementing Needle-Exchange Program
San Diego, which for years has opposed needle-exchange programs, appears on the verge of allowing a pilot program in certain neighborhoods with high rates of HIV and drug use, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Enrollment in NYC Disaster Medicaid Program ‘Surges’
Enrollment in New York City’s Disaster Relief Medicaid program has “surg[ed]” with “no advertising and little official promotion,” offering “important lessons” on enrollment expansion, according to advocates for the uninsured, the Washington Post reports.
Study to Track Effect of Quality Data on Consumer Decisions, Hospital Safety
Researchers at the University of Oregon will use a $530,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to conduct the first study of how publicizing hospitals’ medical error rates affects consumer choice and hospital performance, the Portland Oregonian reports.
In a move that could “signal a breakthrough” in the debate over economic stimulus legislation, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson yesterday said that President Bush may agree to support a provision in a stimulus bill to provide health insurance subsidies to unemployed workers, USA Today reports.
Long Beach Medical Group Plans to ‘Reduce Sharply’ Number of OB/GYNs
Long Beach-based Memorial HealthCare IPA has “drawn criticism” for a plan to “reduce sharply” the number of obstetrician-gynecologists that it contracts with, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reports.
The 50 “most advertised” prescription drugs “contributed significantly” to the rise in the nation’s pharmaceutical spending between 1999 and 2000, according to a new study, the New York Times reports.
CMS to Close Medicaid Loophole for 14 States This Winter, Completely Phase Out by 2010
The Bush administration announced yesterday that it will end the use of the Medicaid loophole for 14 states this winter, and completely phase out the accounting technique by 2010, the AP/Washington Post reports.
Judge Extends Order Blocking Federal Government Action Against Oregon’s Assisted Suicide Law
A federal judge yesterday extended for at least four months a restraining order against the U.S. Department of Justice’s attempt to overturn Oregon’s assisted suicide law, the New York Times reports.