Latest Morning Briefing Stories
UnitedHealth And University Of California To Forge Unique Alliance
The nation’s largest insurer and the state’s university health system intend to offer a health plan option to self-funded employers in California and pursue research drawing upon a huge reservoir of patient data.
Specialty Drug Costs Soar 30% For California Pension Fund
Such medications account for more than a quarter of the state agency’s $2.1 billion in pharmacy costs.
Tobacco Tax Ballot Measure Would Fund Health Care For California’s Poor — But How?
The state tax would boost the Medi-Cal budget by millions, but it’s unclear how the money will be distributed. And that’s by design.
Remember The ‘Public Option’? Insurance Commissioner Wants To Try It In California
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones says a publicly run health plan would bolster competition in the state. But some question whether it would lower premiums.
Veterans Courted In California’s Ballot Fight Over Curbing Drug Prices
The initiative would prohibit California state agencies from paying more for a prescription drug than what the Department of Veterans Affairs pays. Both sides are deploying veterans’ sympathetic and trusted image to win over voters.
Newly Covered By Medi-Cal, Undocumented Children Also Seek Dental Care
Some dental clinics are expanding their hours to meet demand, but can an already stressed system satisfy the needs of children who haven’t seen a dentist in years?
Tossing Unused Surgical Supplies Wastes Millions Of Dollars, Study Finds
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco estimate that hospitals could lose nearly $1,000 per surgery by throwing away opened but unused supplies, such as gloves and sponges.
Consumer Group Questions Role of Drug Costs In California Premium Hikes
Consumers Union says Anthem Inc. and Blue Shield of California may be exploiting furor over prescription drug prices. State regulators are looking into the issue.
Behind The EpiPen Monopoly: Lobbying Muscle, Flailing Competition, Tragic Deaths
A closer look shows that industry lobbying was just one factor in EpiPen’s sales explosion.
Under a new state law, California consumers could get money back if they were charged out-of-network prices after going to a medical provider who was listed in their health plan’s network.
Taxpayers Foot 70 Percent Of California’s Health Care Tab, Study Finds
The public spending on health care outpaces the nation.
Infant Gas Relief Drops, Often Added To Medical Scopes, May Pose Danger
In a small study, Minnesota researchers found that the infant drops used to increase visibility during procedures may create a “perfect habitat” for bacteria and make scopes harder to clean.
Puberty Blockers May Improve The Mental Health Of Transgender Adolescents
Putting sexual development on hold gives children a breather as they consider transitioning to the opposite gender. But when to begin?
California Lawmaker Pulls Plug On Drug Price Transparency Bill
The legislation would have required drug companies to notify the state and insurers about expensive new treatments or price hikes.
Can I Afford To Keep My Doctor?
Covered California says most consumers can avoid double-digit premium hikes next year if they shop around. But will enrollees be willing to switch plans if it means having to change doctors?
Teaching Future Doctors About Addiction
Most medical schools offer very little education on treating opioid addiction. Stanford University’s medical school is trying to ramp it up.
University Of California OKs $8.5 Million Payout In Spine Surgery Cases
Two Los Angeles area patients alleged a prominent UCLA spine surgeon harmed them by using Medtronic devices in experimental ways without their consent and failing to disclose his financial ties to the company. Both UCLA and Medtronic deny wrongdoing.
Court Decision Leaves Undocumented Immigrants’ Health Care Options In Limbo
Deportation-relief programs would have meant access to subsidized health care.
Congressman Decries Olympus’ Failure To Warn U.S. Hospitals About Tainted Scopes
U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) renews his call for tightened laws that would force manufacturers to notify the Food and Drug Administration when they issue safety warnings in other countries related to the design and cleaning of their devices.
Warning: Government Listing Of Clinical Trials Doesn’t Disclose Costs To Patients
Some clinics on NIH’s website charge people to participate in testing of unproven treatments — and it can come as a surprise to unsuspecting patients.
