Latest California Healthline Stories
Additional Subsidies Available to Some Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
Low-income Medicare beneficiaries will be eligible for some additional financial assistance under the new drug benefit, but some consumer advocates have raised questions about outreach efforts.
California Insurers Expect Widespread Participation in Medicare Drug Benefit
Although some critics have questioned how many health plans will sign on to offer prescription drug coverage to Medicare beneficiaries, California health plans in urban and rural areas alike say they will participate in the Medicare drug benefit program. Some advocates continue to voice concerns about how health plans will implement the program and what beneficiaries can expect.
Drug discount programs in Maine and Ohio prompt some questions about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (R) California Rx proposal and other proposals to address medication costs.
Reimportation Remains an Issue in Efforts To Address Prescription Drug Costs
A recent poll found that a majority of U.S. residents support legalizing reimportation of prescription drugs, and some California lawmakers are supporting efforts to facilitate the practice. However, some say that the new Medicare prescription drug benefit will reduce some pressure to legalize reimportation.
Reaction Mixed to Health-Related Provisions of Schwarzenegger Budget Proposal
Health care players reacted differently to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2005-2006. Some Democratic lawmakers voiced opposition to some provisions related to health care, but organizations representing California health care providers praised other proposals.
Medicare HMO Members Get Savings for 2005
Provisions in the 2003 Medicare law provided funds to increase payments to Medicare HMOs and expand benefits for seniors covered under such plans. However, some advocates are concerned that Congress might consider reducing such funding because of federal budget deficits.
Clinical Information Technology Systems Play Larger Role in Chronic Disease Care
Efforts are under way in California and nationwide to use clinical information technology to improve care for patients with chronic diseases. But whether IT can help the fragmented health care system save money or improve care remains unclear.
Drug Discount Cards Worth a Second Look for Some Consumers
The Medicare discount drug program is a mixed bag for California seniors, an analysis of 33 national discount drug card sponsors’ prices found. For people who take a lot of prescription drugs, the savings offered by some of the cards can be significant. But even with those savings, the remaining cost to consumers is still high.