Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial Urges ‘No’ Vote on Tobacco Tax Hike Measure
A Merced Sun-Star editorial states that although “[w]e don’t like being on the same side as Big Tobacco … and we do not in any way endorse smoking,” Proposition 29 — a June ballot initiative that would increase California’s tax on cigarettes by $1 per pack to raise funds for cancer research — “is not good public policy or governance.” It argues that “instead of using this new tax revenue to address one of the state’s many unmet needs, it would create a new semi-independent bureaucracy and a mammoth new medical research program.” Merced Sun-Star.
House Panel OKs Budget Plan That Includes Cuts to Health Care Spending
The House Budget Committee has approved a budget plan that would cut funding from Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and other health initiatives. The full House likely will pass the bill, but the Senate is expected to reject it. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Chiropractic Board OKs Regulation Against Using Allergy Laser Therapy
The Board of Chiropractic Examiners has passed a regulation barring chiropractors from using laser therapy to treat allergy symptoms. Some say the move is an attempt to convince lawmakers to drop a bill that would stop chiropractors from performing any allergy treatments. Sacramento Bee.
Ore. Health Reform Plan Nabs Tentative $1.9B Federal Boost
The Obama administration has tentatively agreed to contribute $1.9 billion to Oregon’s health care overhaul, signaling a federal endorsement of the state’s plan to focus on preventive care by establishing “coordinated care organizations.” Using a patient-centered medical home model and a global Medicaid budget, each CCO will be charged with caring for Medicaid beneficiaries in a given area and determining the best way to provide comprehensive health care. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Report: Recession Fuels $70B Jump in Medicaid Spending
A Kaiser Family Foundation report finds that Medicaid spending increased from $330 billion in fiscal year 2007 to $400 billion in FY 2010, partly because of increased unemployment and lower incomes during the recession. Reuters.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for April 2012
Dev GnanaDev plans to resign as medical director of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center at the end of June after serving in the role since 2000. Gov. Brown has appointed Lora Connolly — former chief deputy director of the California Department of Aging — as director of the agency.
Brown Order Aims To Improve Californians’ Health, Reduce Costs
Gov. Brown has issued an executive order establishing a task force to develop strategies for reducing health care costs and improving residents’ health. The group will assess ways to curb chronic health conditions and cut hospital readmissions, among other efforts. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Assembly Panel OKs Bill To Limit Hospital Execs’ Payouts
On Wednesday, the Assembly Committee on Local Government approved a bill, by Assembly member Luis Alejo, that would prohibit taxpayer-funded health care districts from offering financial perks to retiring executives that are not offered to other employees. The measure comes after the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System gave its outgoing CEO a $4.9 million retirement and severance package last year. The bill now goes to the full Assembly. Bay Citizen.
AHIP Report Highlights Value of Medicare Advantage Plans
Minority and low-income seniors account for a substantial portion of individuals who are benefiting under Medicare Advantage plans, according to a recent report by America’s Health Insurance Plans. The federal health reform law calls for more than $200 billion in spending cuts for the plans. Modern Healthcare.
Massachusetts Bill Aims To Help Control Rise in Health Care Spending
Last week, Massachusetts lawmakers introduced state legislation that aims to control rising health care costs. The bill would establish a growth rate for health care spending and create a quasi-governmental entity to enforce the rate. Boston Globe‘s “White Coat Notes” et al.