Latest California Healthline Stories
Medicare Drug Benefit Could Increase Use of Generic Drugs
The so-called “doughnut hole” in coverage under the Medicare drug benefit could encourage more consumers to switch to generic drugs, a move that some drugmakers are taking steps to avoid.
Health Coverage Mandates Raise New Issue in Debate
At least 30 states nationwide are considering legislation to require that large employers spend a percentage of their payroll on health care coverage for employees. Supporters say the efforts are intended to shore up Medicaid and other safety-net programs, but employers say such bills raise larger issues.
SPECIAL AUDIO REPORT: California Data Standards Can Influence Federal Efforts
National Coordinator for Health IT David Brailer said that the California Regional Health Information Organization’s work on guidance documents for providers, vendors and other data-sharing projects creates precedence for national efforts.