Latest California Healthline Stories
House GOP To Push Bill To Extend Payroll Tax Break Without ‘Doc Fix’
House Republicans plan to introduce a stand-alone bill to extend the payroll tax break through the end of the year. Democrats said they would prefer to pursue a single bill that addresses the payroll tax break, “doc fix” and unemployment benefits. Wall Street Journal et al.
Obama’s Budget Plan Includes $360B in Health Care Spending Cuts
This morning, President Obama unveiled his fiscal year 2013 budget proposal, which aims to cut the federal deficit by $4 trillion over the next decade. The plan would cut federal health care spending by $360 billion through lower payments to health care providers. New York Times et al.
Riverside County, SEIU Local 721 Reach Tentative Deal
On Thursday, the Service Employees International Union Local 721 announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with Riverside County on behalf of about 5,800 county employees. The preliminary deal includes step pay increases over the next two years and an 8% cost-of-living increase over five years. The union — which will begin sending ballots this week — is urging members to approve the deal. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Report Assesses Progress of State Health Data Exchanges
State health information exchanges vary widely in their effectiveness, according to a new report from the Brookings Institution. For the report, researchers analyzed statewide health data exchanges in several states, including California. They found that California’s budgetary problems have hindered the progress of its health data exchange. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Study: Women Retirees More at Risk for Economic Hardship
A study by the UC-Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education suggests that women retirees in California are more at risk for economic hardships than men because they tend to live longer and earn less over their lifetime. HealthyCal.
Report: January Tax Revenues Fall Short of Gov. Brown’s Estimates
A new report finds that January tax revenues in California were $528.4 million less than estimates in Gov. Brown’s budget plan, primarily because of lower tax payments and more income tax refunds than expected. Sacramento Bee et al.
Study Finds Job Growth in Biomedical Sector Stalls Across Calif.
A study by the California Healthcare Institute and other groups finds that growth in biomedical jobs has stalled as industry investors wait out the uncertain economic climate. Employment in the industry has fallen back to 2006-2007 levels. Sacramento Bee, CHI release.
UC-San Diego Surgeon Calls for Statewide Trauma System
In his address at a trauma and resuscitation conference in San Diego last week, Raul Coimbra — UC-San Diego Health System’s chief of trauma — said that California needs a statewide trauma system that operates with the latest technology and reacts to recent trends in trauma care. Coimbra cited data that show survival rates improved by at least 25% in areas covered by trauma system. UPI.
State Officials Seek Ways To Cut Costs Associated With Mobile Hospitals
State officials are discussing strategies for reducing costs associated with three mobile hospitals that were purchased in 2006 for use in emergency situations. If officials cannot agree on a cost-cutting plan, they may dispose of the mobile hospitals. Sacramento Bee.
Brown Evades Tax Hike Rift in Speech to Calif. Democrats
In his address to the California Democratic Party’s annual convention on Saturday, Gov. Brown conceded that his tax-hike initiative — which he is seeking to place on the November ballot — has a “few issues.” However, he did not acknowledge a growing rift among Democrats about whether to support his plan or two other competing proposals by Democratic allies. Sacramento Bee, KPCC‘s “KPCC News.”