Latest California Healthline Stories
Changes to Contraceptive Coverage Rules Draw Mixed Reaction
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops argues that the White House’s changes to contraceptive coverage rules do not go far enough, while women’s groups said the plan accomodates religious groups but still ensures access to contraception. Washington Post et al.
Some Concerned Prison Health Advances Will Stop Without Oversight
Although a federal judge said that oversight of California’s prison health system can return to the state, health officials and inmate advocates worry that improvements will stop without federal guidance. State officials expect to continue making progress. Los Angeles Times.
O.C. Group Awards $45M for Childhood Health Programs
Last week, the Children and Families Commission of Orange County awarded $45 million for a range of early childhood health and education programs, such as dental care and autism and immunization services. The funds are generated from a 50-cent cigarette tax that voters approved in 1998. Orange County Register‘s “Healthy Living.”
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 10, 2012
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will make a one-time, $30 million payment to help resolve an unexpected $58 million deficit at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Sutter Medical Center has received the Society of Chest Pain Centers’ full atrial fibrilation certification status.
Obama’s Budget Likely Will Not Include Major Changes to Entitlements
President Obama is not expected to propose major Medicare and Medicaid changes in his new budget proposal next week. Despite supporting program cuts, he likely will abstain from such proposals to retain the support of elderly residents in the election. Wall Street Journal.
CMS Launches Initiative To Lower Pre-Term Birth Rate
On Wednesday, CMS’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation launched the “Strong Start” initiative, which will award more than $40 million in grants to help researchers develop pre-term birth prevention strategies. HHS officials estimate that medical costs in the first year of life for infants delivered pre-term are nearly $18,000 more than those for infants born at full term.
HHS Unveils Final Rules on Easy-to-Read Health Insurance Summaries
Yesterday, HHS released final rules requiring health insurers to provide consumers with a standardized form that includes an easy-to-read summary of what their plans cover and cost. The regulation was required under the federal reform law. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Small Hospitals Boost Bottom Lines With Back Surgeries
An increasing number of small California hospitals are providing spinal fusions and other back surgeries for patients covered under workers’ compensation insurance. In 2010, spinal fusion surgery made up 40% of inpatient hospital charges to California’s workers’ compensation system, a 10% increase from 2001. Wall Street Journal.
Democrats Pledge To Contine Pursuing Pension Reform
California political observers say the suspension of a conservative group’s campaign to place a public employee pension reform proposal on the November ballot should not absolve Democrats of the responsibility to lead on the issue. Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg on Thursday said that Democrats are “committed to getting pension reform done” and that they will address Gov. Brown’s 12-point pension reform plan. Contra Costa Times.
El Camino Hospital Officials Defend Executive Pay
On Thursday, El Camino Hospital spokesperson Chris Ernst reiterated that the hospital’s executive compensations are on par with industry standards and are funded primarily through hospital operations. The hospital’s largest union recently launched a campaign to put a measure on the November ballot that would cap payments at twice the $174,000 annual salary of California’s governor. San Jose Mercury News.