Latest California Healthline Stories
Now Is ‘Worst Time’ for Tax Hike Proposals, Editorial Says
According to an Orange County Register editorial, Gov. Brown “pulled a fast one” when he and Democrats passed a measure that moves constitutional amendments near the top of the voting ballot. The editorial states that Brown’s comprise tax hike initiative is considered a constitutional amendment and that the budget measure will ensure that the compromise plan appears before a rival tax increase proposal by attorney Molly Munger. According to the editorial, “The Brown-Munger political mud-wrestling contest is bound to hurt them both.” It adds, “[W]ith California’s economic recovery weak at best, this is the worst time for a tax increase.” Orange County Register.
Romney’s Comments on Reform Law Ruling Not Aligned With Campaign
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney recently said the federal health reform law’s individual mandate constitutes a tax. His comments do not align with a campaign aide’s earlier remarks that the mandate is a penalty, not a tax. Washington Post et al.
Panel Moves To Disband Mt. Diablo Health Care District
On Friday, the Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission unanimously decided to begin the process of disbanding the five-member elected Mt. Diablo Health Care District by downsizing its territory and assigning its governance and a small portion of property tax funds to the Concord City Council. The commission is scheduled to take final action to disband the commission on Aug. 9. Contra Costa Times.
U.S. Residents Split on Health Reform Law Ruling, Poll Finds
According to a USA Today/Gallup poll released Friday, U.S. residents are evenly split over the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold the federal health reform law. The poll found that 46% of respondents believe the law is constitutional and 46% of respondents disagree with the court’s ruling. When asked about the future of the overhaul, 31% of respondents said the entire reform law still should be repealed, while 25% of respondents said lawmakers should further expand the law and its provisions. The Hill‘s “Blog Briefing Room,” USA Today.
Some Governors Mull Rejecting Reform Law’s Medicaid Expansion
A growing number of governors have indicated that they will reject the federal health reform law’s Medicaid expansion or that they are unlikely to participate in the expansion. Experts say states are hesitant to expand their Medicaid programs because of high startup costs. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
SCOTUS Ruling Puts Pressure on Calif.’s Doctor Shortage
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the federal health reform law puts pressure on California to boost its primary care workforce ahead of an estimated three million residents gaining insurance under the overhaul. California has fewer doctors per capita than the national average. KQED’s “State of Health.”
Opinion: Tax Hike Necessary To Avoid Mental Health Cuts
In a Santa Cruz Sentinel opinion piece, Paul Johnston — community organizer and public sociologist affiliated with the department of sociology at UC-Santa Cruz — writes, “Over the past three years, California has cut mental health services by $765 million, more than 20%.” As a result, he writes, “mental health systems are breaking down,” and “seriously ill patients no longer have access to care.” According to Johnston, “This breakdown in mental health services calls for leadership from city and especially from county elected officials,” who should support Gov. Jerry Brown’s (D) comprise tax hike initiative to “prevent even deeper cuts.” Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Health Care Providers, Patient Advocates Debate Medical Malpractice Law
Health care stakeholders continue to debate California’s medical malpractice law amid legal challenges to the statute. Proponents of the law argue that it makes practicing medicine affordable, while opponents say it is unfair to residents without income. California Watch.
Lawmakers Consider Bill To Limit Patient Health Data Privacy Law
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would limit a California law that allows patients to take legal action against a health care provider if their health records are released without their permission. Healthcare IT News.
Adult Day Health Care Centers Struggle With Financial Challenges
Adult day health care centers are cutting hours or laying off workers to address fiscal concerns. Some centers are providing care without reimbursement to beneficiaries who have been deemed ineligible. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”