House Bill Targets Imaging Payments To Help Fund Children's Insurance - Medical Devices Today

House Bill Targets Imaging Payments To Help Fund Children's Insurance - Medical Devices Today: "A rapidly moving Medicare bill puts imaging payments back in the crosshairs as the House looks for cost-saving measures to fund coverage of uninsured children and prevent massive cuts to physician payments. "

State fears insurance for children in jeopardy | The San Diego Union-Tribune

State fears insurance for children in jeopardy The San Diego Union-Tribune: "President Bush's plan to veto a children's health insurance bill could leave about 200,000 California children uninsured and disrupt Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's goal of providing universal coverage, state officials said."

Democratic leaders fight for pre-eminence - San Jose Mercury News

Democratic leaders fight for pre-eminence - San Jose Mercury News: "Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez was livid. The Los Angeles Democrat thought he had an agreement with his Senate counterpart, President Pro Tem Don Perata, to hold off on announcing any health care proposal until Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled his plan during his January State of the State speech. But Perata trumped the governor and speaker when he introduced his own plan in December."

Paulson pushes for corporate tax cuts despite political climate - TheHill.com

Paulson pushes for corporate tax cuts despite political climate - TheHill.com: "Even though the Bush administration’s influence with Congress is at an all-time low, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is launching an effort to reduce the U.S. corporate tax rate, now one of the world’s highest at 39 percent."

Dems plan pre-recess bill blitz - TheHill.com

Dems plan pre-recess bill blitz - TheHill.com: "House and Senate Democrats next week are planning a jam-packed finale before the August recess, with plans to push through a raft of bills to secure major domestic victories as lawmakers head home. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said after completing work on a $38 billion homeland security bill, the Senate will attempt to pass an expansion of the $35.5 billion State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). It will also take up a conference report implementing the bipartisan 9/11 Commission recommendations and a sweeping overhaul of ethics and lobbying rules."

Media Team Quits McCain Campaign - New York Times

Media Team Quits McCain Campaign - New York Times: "Sen. John McCain's advertising consultants have resigned from his presidential campaign, the latest in a rash of staff shake-ups in recent weeks."

Dodd unveils health proposal - Los Angeles Times

Dodd unveils health proposal - Los Angeles Times: "Democratic presidential candidate Christopher J. Dodd proposed a universal health coverage plan Thursday with benefits matching those given to federal workers."

Swabs in Hand, Hospital Cuts Deadly Infections - New York Times

Swabs in Hand, Hospital Cuts Deadly Infections - New York Times: "Three state legislatures broke ground this year by passing bills to require that hospitals routinely test high-risk patients, like those in intensive care units. "

Edwards announces his 'tax the rich' plan - Los Angeles Times

Edwards announces his 'tax the rich' plan - Los Angeles Times: "The Democratic presidential hopeful wants to repeal Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy and raise rates to fund breaks for lower-income families."

Groups step up pressure as House begins moving on $100B SCHIP bill - TheHill.com

Groups step up pressure as House begins moving on $100B SCHIP bill - TheHill.com: "Lobbying, organizing and grassroots efforts to advance federal coverage of children’s healthcare are intensifying this week as the House begins the difficult task of moving a massive bill through a divided chamber. The Energy and Commerce Committee is scheduled Wednesday to mark up a bill that is expected to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by $50 billion, stop a scheduled cut in Medicare fees to doctors and increase spending on rural healthcare programs. The total cost is reported to be up to $100 billion."

Groups step up pressure as House begins moving on $100B SCHIP bill - TheHill.com

Groups step up pressure as House begins moving on $100B SCHIP bill - TheHill.com: "Lobbying, organizing and grassroots efforts to advance federal coverage of children’s healthcare are intensifying this week as the House begins the difficult task of moving a massive bill through a divided chamber. The Energy and Commerce Committee is scheduled Wednesday to mark up a bill that is expected to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by $50 billion, stop a scheduled cut in Medicare fees to doctors and increase spending on rural healthcare programs. The total cost is reported to be up to $100 billion."

Thompson replaces campaign manager, raises some eyebrows - TheHill.com

Thompson replaces campaign manager, raises some eyebrows - TheHill.com: "Rep. Zach Wamp (R-Tenn.) Tuesday said former Sen. Fred Thompson’s (R-Tenn.) decision to replace his campaign manager — even though the campaign is not yet official — is indicative of an impending announcement that he will run for president. Wamp said the decision to replace acting campaign manager Thomas Collamore with former Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and strategist Randy Enright is further evidence the lawmaker-turned-actor is “preparing to pull the trigger.” “It’s the logical move when you’re preparing to go from ‘testing the waters’ to the next phase,” Wamp told The Hill."

GOP CA budget plan would slash welfare - Los Angeles Times

GOP CA budget plan would slash welfare - Los Angeles Times: "After holding up the state budget nearly a month past deadline, Senate Republicans offered Tuesday to end the impasse if Democrats would move tens of thousands of poor families off welfare and make dozens of additional program cuts."

Health-Care Plans Set To Collide in Congress - WSJ.com

Health-Care Plans Set To Collide in Congress - WSJ.com: "Private health insurers and the tobacco industry would take the biggest hit under a House plan to spend about $90 billion over five years to fund health coverage for low-income children and boost Medicare payments to physicians."

House members propose universal health coverage - NewsFlash - OregonLive.com

House members propose universal health coverage - NewsFlash - OregonLive.com: "A bipartisan group of House members introduced a bill Tuesday to provide health care coverage to all Americans through a pool of private insurance plans."

Cardio Monitoring Device Falls Out of Favor - Forbes.com

Cardio Monitoring Device Falls Out of Favor - Forbes.com: "The pulmonary artery catheter, a once-lauded cardiac monitoring device, appears to be fading into medical history, a study finds. "

YouTube presidential debate blazes trail - Los Angeles Times

YouTube presidential debate blazes trail - Los Angeles Times: "Amateur inquisitors on home video ask Democratic candidates about everything from global warming to the birds and the bees."

CA term limit petitions ready - sacbee.com

CA term limit petitions ready - sacbee.com: "A drive to alter California's legislative term limits has collected 400,000 signatures more than necessary to place the issue on the February ballot, backers announced Monday."

Clinton, Thompson Lead Two Parties' Polls by 18%, 4%, Respectively

Clinton, Thompson Lead Two Parties' Presidential Polls by 18%, 4%, Respectively:"Rasmussen Reports posts the daily poll reports, demonstrating Sen. Hillary Clinton's strong lead ahead of Sen. Obama (40% to 22%) among democrats. Former Sen. Fred Thompson leads ahead of former N.Y. Mayor Rudy Giulliani (26% to 22%), despite Sen. Thompson has yet to formally declare his candidacy. "

Rudolph W. Giuliani - In New York City, a Stern Line on Race and Politics - Presidential Election 2008 - New York Times

Rudolph W. Giuliani - In New York City, a Stern Line on Race and Politics - Presidential Election 2008 - New York Times: "More than any other Republican running for president, Mr. Giuliani has confronted the question of race, that most torturous of American legacies."

Debates to Connect Candidates and Voters Online - New York Times

Debates to Connect Candidates and Voters Online - New York Times: "The first of a new kind of presidential debate is scheduled for tonight, one in which members of the general public pose questions to the candidates via homemade video. The debate is the latest front in the candidates’ running battle to keep up with the fast-paced changes wrought by the Internet on politics. CNN and YouTube are sponsoring the debate, which will take place among the eight Democratic presidential candidates. They are sponsoring a similar debate for the nine Republican candidates on Sept. 17."

Health care, energy top governors' meeting

Health care, energy top governors' meeting: "TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Governors meeting at this Great Lakes resort reiterated their call on Congress and the White House to renew a popular children’s health program and leaned on the Bush administration to do more to help states develop technologies to promote clean, affordable energy."

Local doctors are opting out of insurance-based medicine : Local News : Ventura County Star

Local doctors are opting out of insurance-based medicine : Local News : Ventura County Star: "At least two primary care practices already charge patients annual membership fees in a system called concierge care. Other doctors insist people dole out money up front and deal with insurance companies on their own."

Boston Scientific plans cuts - The Boston Globe

Boston Scientific plans cuts - The Boston Globe: "With sales of its top medical devices continuing to drop, Boston Scientific Corp. plans broad job cuts that could affect its Massachusetts employees, a spokesman said yesterday."

Two medical device firms to merge

Two medical device firms to merge: "Medical device companies EV3 Inc. of Plymouth and FoxHollow Technologies Inc. of California on Sunday announced their merger in a $780 million cash and stock transaction that is expected to mean more jobs in the Twin Cities."

Budget clears Assembly; Senate vote next - sacbee.com

Budget clears Assembly; Senate vote next - sacbee.com: "Following a marathon floor session, the state Assembly adopted a $103 billion state spending plan early Friday after Democrats agreed to shift more than $1 billion from local transit agencies for other purposes and approve a handful of business tax credits to reach a compromise with minority Republicans."

Senate Panel OKs Child Health Bill - ABC News

Senate Panel OKs Child Health Bill - ABC News: "Brushing aside threats of a presidential veto, a Senate committee on Thursday approved a five-year, $35 billion expansion of a children's health insurance program that would be financed through higher tobacco taxes."

Senate Panel Approves Patent Reform Bill - Forbes.com

Senate Panel Approves Patent Reform Bill - Forbes.com: "The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a sweeping patent reform bill Thursday that seeks to improve patent quality and reduce the number of costly infringement lawsuits."

Mass.: Gov. files $1B life science bill - Boston.com

Mass.: Gov. files $1B life science bill - Boston.com: "Gov. Deval Patrick filed legislation Thursday to spend $1 billion over the next 10 years to expand life science research, including into stem cells."

Bush: No Deal On Children's Health Plan - washingtonpost.com

Bush: No Deal On Children's Health Plan - washingtonpost.com: "President Bush yesterday rejected entreaties by his Republican allies that he compromise with Democrats on legislation to renew a popular program that provides health coverage to poor children, saying that expanding the program would enlarge the role of the federal government at the expense of private insurance."

Capitol Weekly ranks CA legislators

Capitol Weekly ranks CA legislators: "The political scorecard is more art than science."

Republicans call for making cuts to all programs - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Republicans call for making cuts to all programs - The San Diego Union-Tribune: "Senate Republicans are proposing an across-the-board cut of 1 percent to 2 percent in all state programs as a way to move stalled state budget talks, probably delaying a legislative summer vacation scheduled to begin tomorrow."

Wine helps budget optimism flow - sacbee.com

Wine helps budget optimism flow - sacbee.com: "Leaders agree there's progress after Assembly speaker shares 2 bottles."

AdvaMed Praises Increased FDA Device Funding

AdvaMed Praises Increased FDA Device Funding: "AdvaMed is pleased the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee has voted to increase funding for FDA’s medical device program for FY 2008 beyond the President’s budget request. Under the Subcommittee’s mark, the device program’s budget authority would be $243,255,000 – $3.2 million above the amount sought by the Administration. The additional funds will go for important “Critical Path” research at FDA to find ways to speed the development and approval of new medical devices," said AdvaMed President Steve Ubl.

Scrutinizing 510(k)s: Critical Voices Get Heard In Congress - Medical Devices Today

Medical Devices Today: Scrutinizing 510(k)s: Critical Voices Get Heard In Congress: "Consumer advocacy groups have recently stepped up efforts to publicly scrutinize FDA's 510(k) premarket notification process for devices and push for a higher burden of proof for getting the products to market. Consumer advocacy groups have recently stepped up efforts to publicly scrutinize FDA's 510(k) premarket notification process for devices and push for a higher burden of proof for getting the products to market. "

Wearable Device Warns Hospital of Heart Attack - Forbes.com

Wearable Device Warns Hospital of Heart Attack - Forbes.com: "A new device linked to a user's cell phone can text message an alert to a local hospital, warning staff that the patient is about to suffer a heart attack. "

U.S. House committee approves patent reform legislation favored by software companies - International Herald Tribune

U.S. House committee approves patent reform legislation favored by software companies - International Herald Tribune: "A House committee on Wednesday approved patent reform legislation the technology sector has sought for years as a way to reduce the number of costly patent-infringement lawsuits.A House committee on Wednesday approved patent reform legislation the technology sector has sought for years as a way to reduce the number of costly patent-infringement lawsuits."

McCain loses more campaign staffers - Los Angeles Times

McCain loses more campaign staffers - Los Angeles Times: "The communications team and several aides from key states resign as the Republican senator faces doubts about his political viability."

New poll shows GOP pick Is 'None of the Above' - Los Angeles Times

New poll shows GOP pick Is 'None of the Above' - Los Angeles Times: "Nearly 25% of Republicans don't support top-tier hopefuls while Democratic race more static."

Obama Besting Clinton in Fundraising - New West Notes

Obama Besting Clinton in Fundraising - New West Notes: "While a private poll shows Barack Obama starting to close the gap in the California presidential primary, here is the real news. In terms of money raised this year that can be used for the Democratic primaries, Obama has bested Hillary Clinton by an eye-popping $57 million to $41.4 million."

CA Term limit measure lures health care donors - sacbee.com

CA Term limit measure lures health care donors - sacbee.com: "Health-related organizations this year have contributed at least $500,000 to a ballot campaign to ease term limits that would benefit top lawmakers leading the health care overhaul under consideration at the Capitol."

Child Health Insurance Bill Faces Veto - washingtonpost.com

Child Health Insurance Bill Faces Veto - washingtonpost.com: "The Bush administration said Saturday that senior advisers would recommend the president veto Senate legislation that would substantially increase funds for children's health insurance. The legislation calls for a 61-cent increase in the federal excise tax on a pack of cigarettes. The revenue would be used to subsidize health insurance for children and some adults with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford insurance on their own. Members of the Senate Finance Committee brokered a bipartisan agreement Friday that would add $35 billion to the program over the next five years. The Bush administration had instead recommend $5 billion."

Shift in Health-Cost Focus Is Said to Show Promise - New York Times

Shift in Health-Cost Focus Is Said to Show Promise - New York Times: "The experiment, which started in April 2005 and is to continue through April 2008, is an attempt by Medicare to rethink the way it reimburses doctors. The goal is to pay them for the quality of the care they deliver, rather than on how many tests and procedures they perform."

Some Chronically Ill Adults Wait for Medicare - New York Times

Some Chronically Ill Adults Wait for Medicare - New York Times: "When uninsured adults with common chronic illnesses became eligible for Medicare, they saw doctors and were hospitalized more often and reported greater medical expenses than people who had had insurance. And their increased use of medical services continued at least until at least age 72, researchers are reporting today."

McCain Faces Finance Woes On the Stump - washingtonpost.com

McCain Faces Finance Woes On the Stump - washingtonpost.com: "With just $2 million in the bank and a campaign organization in turmoil, Sen. John McCain now looks out on a vastly different landscape when it comes to financing a run for the White House."

Democrats Lead in Raising Money Online - New York Times

Democrats Lead in Raising Money Online - New York Times: "The Democrats have established a commanding and growing dominance over Republicans in securing contributions online, reshaping the fund-raising landscape heading into the 2008 elections. Online donations are emerging as a cornerstone of the fund-raising efforts of Senator Barack Obama and former Senator John Edwards, who have raised roughly a third of their money through Internet contributions, mostly in small-dollar amounts. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has been aggressive online as well. Their efforts have paid off with a rapidly growing army of small donors, many of whom have demonstrated a willingness to give again and again."

State rates heart bypass surgeons - Los Angeles Times

State rates heart bypass surgeons - Los Angeles Times: "Californians needing a coronary bypass can now, for the first time, look up which surgeons in the state have the best — and worst — mortality rates for that operation."

CA Dems plan a floor vote on budget - sacbee.com

CA Dems plan a floor vote on budget - sacbee.com: "As California approaches the third week of the fiscal year without a state budget, Democrats are planning a floor vote next week even though Republicans have said they will not provide the support to pass the spending plan."

Bill on drug safety, FDA funding clears House - Reuters.com

Bill on drug safety, FDA funding clears House - Reuters.com: "The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to give the Food and Drug Administration more power over drugmakers as part of an effort to better protect the public from dangerous medicines."

Top McCain advisors step down - Los Angeles Times

Top McCain advisors step down - Los Angeles Times: "With his presidential campaign in a state of near-collapse, Sen. John McCain accepted the resignations of two top advisors Tuesday, then quickly named a new campaign manager in a bid to put his candidacy for the Republican nomination back on course."

Friday deadline looms for CA state bills - Inside Bay Area

Friday deadline looms for CA state bills - Inside Bay Area: "Facing a significant deadline Friday, lawmakers are considering bills on everything from health-care reform to a voter initiative revamping oversight of chiropractors. "

Congress moves to increase spending on drug safety - International Herald Tribune

Congress moves to increase spending on drug safety - International Herald Tribune: "The House was expected to approve legislation Wednesday that would give the Food and Drug Administration nearly $400 million (€292.7 million), collected as fees from the drug industry, to spend on drug safety over the next five years. The Senate has already approved similar legislation."

FDA Device Center Working Out "Nuts And Bolts" Of Interactive Review - Medical Devices Today

FDA Device Center Working Out "Nuts And Bolts" Of Interactive Review - Medical Devices Today: "If all goes as planned, beginning Oct. 1 FDA device reviewers will be taking a new, more interactive approach to product applications, though agency officials are still unsure exactly how the method will work."

A Battle Over Expansion of Children’s Insurance - New York Times

A Battle Over Expansion of Children’s Insurance - New York Times: "Administration officials have denounced the Democratic proposal as a step toward government-run health care for all. They said it would speed the erosion of private insurance coverage. And they oppose two of the main ideas contemplated by Democrats to finance expanded coverage for children: an increase in the federal tobacco tax and cuts in Medicare payments to private insurance companies caring for the elderly."

Electronic health records don't lift care: study - Reuters.com

Electronic health records don't lift care: study Top News Reuters.com: "Electronic health records -- touted by policymakers as a way to improve the quality of health care -- failed to boost care delivered in routine doctor visits, U.S. researchers said on Monday."

COMMENTARY: Strange Bedfellows - The Journal of Life Sciences

COMMENTARY: Strange Bedfellows - The Journal of Life Sciences: "The battle over who decides whether a medicine is valuable will determine who controls health care in America over the next decade. Some proponents propose an independent entity should sponsor credible research on comparative effectiveness of health care services and disseminate this information to patients, providers and public and private payers."

The Presidential Candidates on Health Care - New York Times

The Presidential Candidates on Health Care - New York Times: "Candidates in both parties are promising to overhaul health care and cover more of the nation’s uninsured. Compare what they have said on the issue."

Presidential campaign money gap widens - Los Angeles Times

Presidential campaign money gap widens - Los Angeles Times: "The gap between rich and poor is growing — not just in American society, but also in the race for president. Sens. Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York are rolling in cash, having raised more than $100 million between them, while the other Democratic candidates are foraging for scraps."

How Erisa May Trip Up Bids to Extend Coverage - WSJ.com

How Erisa May Trip Up Bids to Extend Coverage - WSJ.com: "Big states including California, Pennsylvania and Illinois are debating proposals that give employers a choice between providing insurance or paying into a fund to subsidize coverage for those who can't afford it. Several other states are considering the approach. But business opponents and others say the strategy, known as 'pay or play,' might violate a 1974 law that bars states from regulating certain health plans."

A Battle Over Expansion of Children’s Insurance - New York Times

A Battle Over Expansion of Children’s Insurance - New York Times: "The fight over a popular health insurance program for children is intensifying, with President Bush now leading efforts to block a major expansion of the program, which is a top priority for Congressional Democrats."

NH state law requires reporting of hospital-acquired infections - AP

NH state law requires reporting of hospital-acquired infections - AP: "A new state law aimed at letting the public know when patients contract infections during hospital stays probably won't accomplish that goal."