Latest California Healthline Stories
Lawmakers Pass Bill To Allow Cardiac Procedure in Outpatient Facilities
The California Legislature has approved a bill that would allow two hospitals to perform a cardiac catheter procedure in outpatient facilities. A hospital official says the state eventually could expand the rule to include other hospitals. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Opinion: California Should Set Minimum Charity Care Levels
In a Sacramento Bee opinion piece, DeAnn McEwen — co-president of the California Nurses Association — writes, “Many California nonprofit hospitals reap expansive tax breaks far beyond what they return to communities.” According to McEwen, “California should follow other states in requiring a mandatory minimum level of charity care for tax-exempt status, clearly define what constitutes charity care and improve reporting requirements.” Sacramento Bee.
Romney Pledges To Repeal Health Law in RNC Speech
In a speech at the Republican National Convention on Thursday in which he accepted the GOP presidential nomination, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney reiterated his pledge to repeal the federal health reform law as part of a broader goal to boost the economy and job market. He also criticized what he frequently has characterized as $716 billion in cuts to Medicare under the law. Politico, Modern Healthcare.
State Legislature Passes Bill To Reform Public Worker Pensions
The California Legislature has approved a bill that would reform public pensions. Democrats have hailed the bill’s passage, while Republicans say it is flawed and meant to appease fiscal-minded voters. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker” et al.
President Criticizes GOP Over Medicare, Other Health Care Issues
Over the weekend, President Obama criticized the GOP for its plans to alter Medicare and for its “backward-looking” positions on other health issues, such as contraception. Democrats are expected to use this week’s Democratic National Convention to defend the Affordable Care Act. New York Times et al.
Obama Signs Executive Order To Boost Mental Health Services for Vets
President Obama has signed an executive order aimed at improving mental health care and suicide prevention for veterans. The order requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to hire an additional 800 counselors and to increase the capacity of its veteran crisis hotline by 50%. New York Times‘ “Taking Note” et al.
S.F. To Examine Possible Loopholes in Healthy S.F. Law
San Francisco City Supervisor David Campos has asked the Board of Supervisors to hold a hearing on reports that some businesses, particularly restaurants, are levying a surcharge on customers to cover the costs for providing employee health benefits under the Healthy San Francisco law. Campos also raised concern about businesses that are creating health reimbursement accounts to comply with the coverage requirement but are failing to spend the money on workers’ health care. San Francisco Chronicle.
Editorial: Pension Bill Good Start, But Will Not End ‘Crisis’
According to a Sacramento Bee editorial, the new public pension reform bill “is probably the best reform package that could have been achieved” considering “the political realities” in the California Legislature. However, the editorial states, the public “should be under no illusions” about the plan, which will “not end the pension crisis that afflicts the state, local governments and school districts.” The editorial states that the bill “is just the beginning of a necessary effort to right-size public pensions in California,” noting that “[m]ore may be needed.” Sacramento Bee.
Health Care Advocates Express Support for Essential Benefits Bills
Health care advocates have praised legislation passed by the Legislature that would define essential health benefits under the federal health law. However, certain services might not be considered essential, such as chiropractic care. San Jose Mercury News, Washington Post.
VSP CEO Hints at Exit From Calif. After Exchange Vote
VSP Global — a Rancho Cordova-based not-for-profit vision benefits plan — might move to another state after the California Health Benefit Exchange board last month voted to bar stand-alone vision plans from offering coverage in the exchange at least for the first year, according to a recent opinion piece by VSP CEO Rob Lynch. However, the board voted to allow stand-alone dental plans to participate in the exchange. Sacramento Business Journal.