Latest California Healthline Stories
SPECIAL AUDIO REPORT: Belshe Discusses Prospects of Health Care Reform
Massachusetts last month approved legislation that aims to expand health care coverage to nearly all of the state’s uninsured residents, a move that raises questions about the prospects of similar legislation in California. Audio.
Medicare Beneficiaries Face Enrollment Deadline
Counselors in California expect an increase in calls for assistance before the May 15 deadline for Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in the prescription drug benefit, as the federal government launches efforts to enroll beneficiaries who have put off choosing a drug plan.
State Oversight of Nursing Homes Draws Criticism
California and the federal government are investigating whether the state agency charged with regulating nursing homes is doing the job adequately. At a time when the state’s elderly population is poised to increase substantially, some advocates are wondering whether the state is prepared for the demographic change.
SPECIAL AUDIO REPORT: Supporters, Opponents Debate Assisted Suicide Bill
The U.S. Supreme Court last year upheld an Oregon law legalizing physician-assisted suicide in some cases, a move that raises questions about the prospects of similar legislation in California. Audio.
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.
Medicare Drug Coverage Has Growing Pains in California
California is one of at least 26 states providing emergency coverage of prescription drug costs for dual eligibles who have been unable to obtain medications under the drug benefit, and some health advocates say that some dual eligibles in California also are facing problems with language barriers and drug plan formularies.
SPECIAL AUDIO REPORT: Ortiz Discusses Outlook for Health Care Legislation in 2006
Senate Health Committee Chair Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento) discusses the Medicare drug benefit, children’s health coverage and other health care issues that she expects the Legislature to take up in 2006.
California Pay-for-Performance Programs Draws National Attention
As outcomes of a pay-for-performance program in California are reviewed this week, CMS and other groups consider the program as a model for similar efforts across the U.S.
Will PBMs Drive Up or Curb Medicare Drug Costs?
Pharmacy benefit managers play a central role in the Medicare drug benefit, leading some health care players to question what effect PBMs’ involvement will have on costs under the new benefit.