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As all know the Congress has passed and President Bush has signed the new Medicare Reform Bill, HR1. This is the first bill that allows for some oral pharmaceuticals to be paid by Medicare. The first phase of this is to start in April, 2004 with the coming of a drug discount card. The cards may be issued by either the insurance companies or the pharmacies and cost the Medicare recipients up to $30 per year. These cards will then be phased out when the new benefits kick in in 2006. The cards may reduce out of pocket expenses for the Medicare bunch by between 15-25%. This is a good first step. Top
The recently enacted pay or play bill signed by the lame duck Governor Davis will possibly be placed on the March Ballot for repeal. The bill pressures employers into covering almost all employees with health care benefits or pay into a state fund. There is nothing in the bill that poses any problems for employers that ignore the whole matter. Also the bill will slow the recovering economy of California. There is a large business coalition against SB2. The California Medical Association was for it so more people would be covered buy insurance, a noble but misguided aim. Top
The nurse patient ration law that mandates how many patients a nurse can take care of is being asked to be delayed. The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors has asked Governor Schwarzenegger for a delay in implementation. It is scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2004. The Los Angeles County hospitals will be about 25% short and will need to close units to comply with the ill timed mandate. This will not allow ED patients to be admitted and will back up the emergency medical services around the County. The Governor has just announced he will not delay the ratio implementation. Top
DISCLAIMER: Although this article is updated periodically, it reflects the author's point of view at the time of publication. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel before acting on any of the information presented.