Latest California Healthline Stories
Study Finds More U.S. Residents Choosing High-Deductible Plans
A growing number of Americans are enrolling in health savings accounts/high-deductible health plans, according to a report by America’s Health Insurance Plans. Enrollment in such plans on the individual market is up by 15%. National Journal, The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Democrats Release Budget Plan That Avoids Need for GOP Votes
Today, the Legislature is expected to vote on an alternative budget proposal released by Democratic lawmakers. The plan, which requires only a majority vote, relies on spending cuts, delayed payments and other accounting maneuvers. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Republican Presidential Candidates Assail Health Reform Law in Debate
During yesterday’s debate in New Hampshire, all seven GOP presidential contenders said they would seek to repeal the federal health reform law if elected president. Candidates also weighed in on a Medicare overhaul plan put forth by Rep. Paul Ryan. New York Times et al.
Hospitals Have Largest Increase in Donations in Five Years, Report Finds
In fiscal year 2010, donations to not-for-profit hospitals and health systems jumped by 8%, the largest increase since 2006, according to a report from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. Modern Healthcare, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy release.
HHS Adds Eight Substances to List of Known Carcinogens
Last week, HHS added formaldehyde, styrene and six other substances to its “Report on Carcinogens” after scientists discovered that exposure to the substances can increase the risk of developing certain cancers. In a statement, HHS said, “Many factors, including the amount and duration of exposures, and an individual’s susceptibility to a substance, affect whether a person will develop cancer.” Reuters et al.
Lawmakers Working Against the Clock To Beat Budget Deadline
Republican senators recently released a pension overhaul proposal, and Democratic legislators are working to craft an alternative spending plan. Lawmakers must pass a balanced budget by tomorrow or they could forfeit their pay. Sacramento Bee et al.
SEIU-UHW Reaches Contract Deal With Tenet Hospitals
On Friday, 98% of members of the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West voted to approve a three-year contract at nine Tenet Healthcare hospitals in California. The deal, which covers 3,000 medical professionals, will provide raises of up to 18% and guarantees employer-paid health insurance. San Francisco Business Times.
Scripps, Medical Management Company Team Up for ACO
Scripps Health has entered into an agreement with North American Medical Management, California, to form the Scripps Integrated Delivery Network Management. The network will form the infrastructure for an accountable care organization, according to Don Stanziano, a Scripps Health spokesperson. Seven physician groups are involved in the new network. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Study Finds Older Caregivers Have Poorer Health, Finances
Older caregivers who care for a parent while working are more likely than other workers of similar age to report medical problems, including chronic disease and depression, according to a study by MetLife Mature Market Institute, the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Center for Long Term Care Research & Policy at New York Medical College. The study also found that caregivers ages 50 and older lose an average of $303,880 per person in wages, pensions and Social Security benefits over a lifetime from stopping work early to care for a parent. Wall Street Journal.
Diverting Patients Away From Crowded EDs Tied to Higher Mortality Rates
The strategy of rerouting ambulances away from crowded emergency departments is linked to higher death rates among patients experiencing heart attacks, according to a new study that uses data from four California counties. Reuters, HealthDay/USA Today.