Latest California Healthline Stories
VA Setting Stage For Biggest Transformation Of The Veterans’ Medical System In A Generation
The proposed guidelines would allow veterans more choice is seeking care outside the troubled VA system. Although, proponents of the switch say that it can help with wait times, critics say it will strain the private sector and increase costs for taxpayers.
Dwindling Funds Strain Already-Stressed Native American Health System As Shutdown Continues
Native American tribes rely heavily on federal assistance for basic services such as health care, so the shutdown is hitting them harder than others. Tribal members say they can’t get referrals for specialty care from the Indian Health Service if their conditions aren’t life-threatening. Meanwhile, California food banks brace for influx of hungry people affected by shutdown.
Emergency Care Unit Designed Specifically For Seniors Opens At UC San Diego Health
The 11 new patient rooms inside the accredited geriatric wing are equipped with sound-absorbing walls and ceilings and a variable lighting system that reflects the actual time of day. The beds are also more comfortable, and patients will be treated by a team of doctors with specific geriatric experience.
Ventura Officials Scramble To Contact Thousands Of Patients Over Possibly Ineffective Vaccines
Vaccines need to be kept within a certain temperature range to remain effective. Ventura officials are urging anyone who may have been effected to get new shots.
Following California’s Deadliest Fire, CEO Of Troubled PG&E Steps Down
Investigators have been probing whether the power giant’s equipment ignited the deadly Camp Fire at the end of last year. Geisha Williams has run the company since March 2017.
Trump’s Rules Easing Health Law’s Contraception Mandate Blocked In 13 States And D.C.
Judge Haywood Gilliam limited the scope of the ruling to the plaintiffs, led in part by California, rejecting their request that he block the rules nationwide. The changes would have allowed more employers to opt out of providing no-cost contraceptive coverage to women by claiming religious objections.
Deadline Rushes Closer For Consumers To Sign Up For Health Plans Through Covered California
The deadline is Tuesday for consumers to get coverage for this year starting Feb. 1.
With a divided Congress, there may not be much forward progress on health care issues at a national level, but states led by Democratic lawmakers are already taking steps to fulfill campaign promises for more expanded options. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced ambitious health plans last week spanning from reshaping how prescription drugs are paid for to taking steps toward a single-payer system.
A selection of opinions on health care developments from around the state.
2020 Contenders In Something Of An Arms Race To Take On ‘Big Pharma’ And Drug Prices
Drug pricing is a hot topic that voters care deeply about, and many of the 2020 Democratic hopefuls want to get ahead of their competitors with splashy bills taking on the pharmaceutical industry. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is just the latest to announce legislation that would tackle the high prices, which would include a measure pegging U.S. prescription drug prices to the median price from five countries where drug costs are typically far lower.