Viewpoints: Lawmakers Need More Information Before They Can Act On Drug Costs
A selection of opinions on health care developments from around the state.
The Los Angeles Times:
Why Are Drug Prices Soaring? Policymakers Aren't Sure. It's Time They Find Out
The growth in U.S. healthcare spending has slowed considerably in recent years, with one notable exception: prescription drugs. The amount spent on prescriptions has climbed sharply over the last 2 ½ years, driven in part by consecutive years of double-digit price increases. It’s not just a handful of blockbuster drugs that are draining wallets; it’s higher costs for all categories of drugs, including generic medications that have been on the market for years. (6/1)
Los Angeles Times:
Forbes Cuts Estimated Wealth Of 'Billionaire' Theranos Founder To $0
Forbes, the publisher of seemingly countless lists of the world’s billionaires, is patting itself on the back for seeing through the hype about the blood-testing company Theranos and its glamorous 32-year-old founder, Elizabeth Holmes. In connection with the release Wednesday of its second annual list of America’s richest self-made women, it cut the estimate of Holmes’ net worth from $4.5 billion—the tally that placed her at the very summit of the list last year – to zero. In doing so, however, Forbes unwittingly exposed the essential fatuousness of such lists.The question Forbes should answer is how Holmes got listed in the first place. (Michael Hiltzik, 6/1)
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Thumbs Down: Cutting Off Funds For The Most Vulnerable
Clearly, somebody — or several people — deserved disciplinary action up to and including termination. But what was the federal government’s response? It cut off an estimated $26 million in federal funds that would have gone toward patient care. Granted, this was not an isolated breakdown at the facility, and federal authorities had warned that the center could lose funding if problems persisted. But it’s hard to see how cutting off funding is going to improve care for the remaining residents at the Eldridge complex, a facility that already faces the potential of closure in 2018. (6/1)
The Bakersfield Californian:
As Americans Hit The Highway, Blood Donations Needed
In observance of Trauma Awareness Month and in preparation for the Memorial Day holiday, Houchin Community Blood Bank is urging all eligible donors to give blood, plasma or platelets to help ensure lifesaving blood products are available to respond to emergencies, including vehicle accidents. A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. It is critical that Houchin be prepared for this expected need with a good supply of all types of blood products, including platelets and plasma. (Greg Gallion, 5/26)
Fresno Bee:
Head Start Can Make Entire Families Healthier
Head Start is already great at helping kids succeed in life. Now it’s working at helping families become healthier, too. The UCLA Health Care Institute, where I work as research director, has developed a way to use business-management principles to improve the health of families. What that means in practice is that we’ve changed the way Head Start staffers are trained to do health promotion. (Ariella Herman, 5/26)
The Los Angeles Times:
How To Negotiate The Medical Bill Maze In Search Of A Better Deal
Act fast, negotiate hard and don't pay the "sticker price" for healthcare if you can possibly avoid it. Start by reviewing your bills for errors such as duplicate charges, fees for services you didn't receive and charges that seem excessive. A medical billing advocate may spot more subtle overcharges, such as separate, higher fees for procedures that should have been billed together as one bundle. (Liz Weston, 5/29)
Fresno Bee:
Heat Can Be A Disaster If We’re Not Prepared
We’ve learned the terrible lesson that heat waves can’t be ignored. The forecast is predicting temperatures of 103 degrees – and higher – through Sunday. After the horrible heat wave of 2006, even the most fit Valley natives know to take special care. Ten years ago in mid-July, temperatures topped 100 degrees 10 days in a row; they never dipped below 80 at night. In those 10 awful days, 26 people perished in Fresno County. ...Every Valley county now offers “cooling centers,” from shopping malls to civic to hospitals. (6/1)
The Los Angeles Times:
Mergers In The Healthcare Sector: Why You'll Pay More
We know all about the benefits in store for us when big hospital chains merge and bigger health insurance companies grow even bigger: Lower prices. More efficient healthcare. More innovation. Better customer service. That's what hospital and insurance companies say, anyway. (Michael Hiltzik, 5/27)
Sacramento Business Journal:
Prevention, Support Should Be Priority
Savings from Proposition 47 prison reforms should be spent on mental health, drug treatment and prevention programs. (Glennah Trochet, 5/27)
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Adding Some Facts To ‘Frankenfood’ Debate
Sonoma County voters will be asked, again, to ban genetically modified crops and seeds via an initiative on the November ballot. In 2005, local voters said no. But the idea has simmered ever since, with plenty of emotion on both sides, mirroring ongoing national debates about the safety of GMO crops and the wisdom of requiring labels on foods containing GMOs. A long-awaited report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine offers some facts to inform those strong feelings. (5/29)