Mississippi pondering tax breaks to lure new doctors

MISSISSIPPI may offer tax breaks to lure new doctors to practice there. The Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a measure that would forgive state income taxes for up to 10 years on incomes exceeding $100,000 a year. New physicians who practice in underserved areas, a designation that covers the entire state except for parts of three counties, would be eligible to claim the break. The state senate has not yet acted on the bill.

The CALIFORNIA Medical Association (CMA) has joined a coalition of forces opposed to a proposed ballot measure that would regulate health insurance increases. The CMA, California Hospital Association, and major insurers are fighting the drive to place on the November ballot a measure that would allow a state agency to regulate health insurance premiums. Physician groups say the plan would result in higher healthcare costs. A similar bill was defeated last year in the state legislature.