Democrats, Governor Reach Deal On What To Do With Money From Tobacco Tax
The fiery debate has been roiling the Capitol and the health industry.
The Associated Press:
Proposed California Budget Bill Would Give Doctors A Raise
California lawmakers introduced legislation Monday that would allow $465 million in higher payments for doctors and dentists who provide publicly funded care. The proposal is outlined in a budget bill and may reflect an agreement between Gov. Jerry Brown and top legislative leaders on a key sticking point in budget negotiations. But neither top lawmakers nor Brown commented on the proposal. The lawmakers and Brown were divided on how to spend more than $1 billion from higher tobacco taxes. (6/12)
Capital Public Radio:
California Lawmakers Reach Deal On How To Spend Tobacco Tax Money
Anthony Wright with the advocacy group Health Access says increasing doctors’ and dentists’ reimbursement rates will improve care for Medi-Cal patients, if the money is put toward high-need areas. “If they’re targeted, if they’re data-driven, then they can make a big difference in making sure people get the care that they need,” Wright says. Most of the rest of the money will go toward the governor's priority: funding Medi-Cal's expansion under Obamacare, as the state takes on more of the cost. (Adler, Mitric and Schilling, 6/12)
In other news from Sacramento —
EdSource Today:
California Law Spurs Reforms After Heartbreaking Student Suicide Cluster
While suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teenagers ages 15 to 19, it is rare, with 150 suicide deaths in California in that age group in 2013. ... The California Department of Education released a model youth suicide prevention policy last month that calls for schools to create strategies to encourage students to talk about depression and stress. (Adams, 6/12)