The Week Ahead

Emergency coverage for residents dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal who are experiencing difficulty obtaining medications under the Medicare drug benefit will expire unless Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) approves an extension.

The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review subcommittee will hold hearings to address issues including Medi-Cal and Healthy Families.

San Diego County will begin holding a series of town hall meetings to collect public opinions about the ability of the region's hospitals, clinics and doctors to provide adequate care for low-income residents.

The Board of Equalization will consider the final form of a regulation to remove taxes from prescription drugs such as Botox and medical devices administered or implanted by a doctor.

The Senate Health Committee will hear testimony on a number of health-related bills and vote on or reconsider other health legislation.