Latest California Healthline Stories
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.
Report Compares Confidentiality of Electronic, Paper-Based Records
In an effort to contextualize concerns about the confidentiality of electronic health records, the National Alliance for Health Information Technology this month published a report that compares the security of paper and electronic medical records.
SPECIAL AUDIO REPORT: California Healthline Interviews CMA CEO Jack Lewin on 2006 Agenda
In an interview for a California Healthline special audio report, Jack Lewin, CEO and executive vice president of the California Medical Association, said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (R) efforts to address health care issues in his State of the State Address and fiscal year 2006-2007 state budget proposal have fallen short.
Health Care Costs, Expanding Coverage Expected To Figure in 2006 Legislative Session
Some people are expecting a changed dynamic between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and the Legislature in 2006, raising questions about what to expect in health policy this year.