Latest California Healthline Stories
Supporters, Opponents Face Off Over Single-Payer Health Care Bill
Advocates are voicing support for legislation that would establish a single-payer health care system and provide all California residents with health benefits. Opponents say the measure would eliminate jobs and lead to higher taxes. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Merced Sun-Star.
Opinion: Romney Wrong To Attack Health Reform Law
In a Sacramento Bee opinion piece, Angelo DeSantis — professor at UC-Davis’ School of Law — writes that the federal health reform law “is packed with provisions that reduce costs, expand coverage, and improve quality and efficiency,” but it also is “vulnerable to baseless, platitudinous attacks,” such as those made by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. DeSantis continues, “Romney did the right thing in 2006 in enacting health care reform as governor of Massachusetts. He’s flat wrong now to call for the repeal of the national health care reform.” Sacramento Bee.
Senate OKs Bill To Undo Anti-Fraud Measures for In-Home Care Program
Yesterday, the state Senate approved legislation that would repeal fingerprinting requirements and other measures that Gov. Schwarzenegger signed in 2009 to curb fraud in the state’s In-Home Supportive Services program. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.
First 5 Groups Uncertain About Effects of Brown’s May Budget Revision
Lawmakers previously approved a plan to shift $1 billion away from First 5, but Gov. Brown’s May budget revision assumes the state will not receive those funds. Now, First 5 commissions throughout California are unsure whether to prepare for the funding shift. California Watch.
Stanford Medical School Staff Violate Paid-Speech Policy
The Stanford University School of Medicine has disciplined five faculty members for violating school policy by giving paid promotional speeches for pharmaceutical companies. Additional details were not disclosed because actions involving school personnel are confidential. San Jose Mercury News.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 20, 2011
San Joaquin Community Hospital recently broke ground on a new $36 million, 60,000 square-foot cancer center. Meanwhile, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center has opened its new $618 million, 450,000 square-foot facility, which will replace the older Peninsula Medical Center.
Report: Employers To Face Rise in Health Costs in 2012
U.S. employers should expect health care costs to rise by 8.5% in 2012, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute. The report suggested that consolidation among health care providers and increased cost-shifting to private insurers would contribute to the upward cost trend. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” Healthcare Finance News.
Calif. Public Health Officials Report Rise in Measles Cases
The number of reported measles cases is on the rise in California, according to state public health officials. Seven new measles cases have been reported since April, bringing the statewide total to 13 this year. Last year, the state reported 27 measles cases. Public health officials are urging state residents to obtain proper immunizations for themselves and their family members. Central Valley Business Times.
Analyst Backs Revenue Estimates in Brown’s May Budget Revision
In a report released yesterday, Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor agrees with Gov. Brown’s projection that the state will bring in $6.6 billion in unexpected revenue but questions the governor’s plan to hold a voter referendum on taxes. Sacramento Bee et al.
Insurers Must Justify Rate Increases Higher Than 10%, HHS Says
HHS has released a final rule establishing parameters for how regulators can review health insurance rate hikes greater than 10%. The rule takes effect in September. Next year, officials will set separate rate thresholds for states to account for various trends. New York Times et al.