Latest California Healthline Stories
OPM To Expand Benefits for Same-Sex Partners of Federal Employees
The Office of Personnel Management has issued proposed rules to expand benefits for same-sex partners of federal workers. One proposal would let children of federal workers and their same-sex partners stay on their parents’ health plan until age 26. Los Angeles Times, Politico.
Opinion: Top Ballot Slot Does Not Guarantee Passage
In an opinion piece in the Ventura County Star, author and columnist Thomas Elias writes that the placement of Gov. Brown’s compromise tax hike initiative at the top of the November ballot does not guarantee the measure’s passage. Elias writes that the “top ballot slot means little by itself” and that high voter turnout also does not guarantee passage. He concludes, “It all depends on the voters’ mood and (sometimes) the merits of the measure.” Ventura County Star.
Obama Criticizes GOP Health Care Plans, Promotes Reform Law
At a campaign stop in Florida yesterday, President Obama criticized GOP plans to repeal the federal health reform law and alter Medicare. Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s campaign called Obama’s statements “dishonest attacks.” New York Times et al.
Advocates Criticize Oversight of Nursing Home Safety
Patient advocates are criticizing the Department of Public Health for failing to act on reports by the California Attorney General’s office that found health and safety violations at 14 nursing homes in the state. The violations — which span from January 2010 to March 2012 — have been submitted to DPH, but only one citation has been issued. In a written response, DPH said that ensuring safety and care quality is a top priority and that the agency is reviewing the 14 facilities’ records. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
‘Wrong Time’ for UC-Riverside Med School, Editorial Says
According to a Los Angeles Times editorial, UC-Riverside’s plan to open a full medical school “certainly would be good for UC-Riverside” but it might not necessarily be good for the state or for the University of California. The editorial states that UC-Riverside currently has a partial medical program that requires students to finish their studies at UCLA. According to the editorial, now would seem “the wrong time to embark on an expensive new project that will cost the state millions of dollars a year down the road.” Los Angeles Times.
Treatment of Patients in Psychiatric Hospitals Down, Report Finds
A new report finds that California hospitals treated 5,283 patients with mental illnesses in 2010, down by 16% from 2005. The report recommends that states ensure that there are enough alternative psychiatric beds at community health care facilities. Los Angeles Times.
Opinion: Both Parties Should Support Insurance Exchanges
In an opinion piece in The Week‘s “The Bullpen,” surgeon and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist writes that both Democrats and Republicans should embrace the state health insurance exchanges included in the federal health reform law. He writes, “Originally a Republican idea, the state insurance exchanges … will offer a menu of private insurance plans to pick and choose from, all with a required set of minimum benefits, to those without employer-sponsored health insurance.” He adds, “Helping more Americans find and compare the private insurance they need and can afford should be an easy principle both political parties agree on.” The Week‘s “The Bullpen.”
Calif. Whooping Cough Levels Normal as Nation Sees Outbreak
The U.S. is experiencing an outbreak of pertussis — or whooping cough — this year, but California has recorded a normal number of cases. State officials have reported 400 cases so far this year. Orange County Register‘s “Healthy Living” et al.
Walgreen Reaches Multiyear Agreement With Express Scripts
Walgreen and Express Scripts have reached a multiyear deal that will allow Express Scripts customers to fill prescriptions at Walgreen stores. Walgreen had ended its relationship with Express Scripts on Jan. 1, after months of contract negotiations. Wall Street Journal et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of July 20, 2012
Children’s Hospital Central California has received a $100,000 donation for its neurosurgery program, which will enable training for neurosurgery clinicians and staff. Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Cigna are launching the insurer’s first accountable care organization.