Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser Awards $1.17M to 40 Sacramento-Area Agencies
Kaiser Permanente recently awarded $1.17 million in grants to 40 groups and agencies in the Sacramento region. The Community Benefit Grants, which range from $7,000 to $80,000, target organizations that aim to improve access to health care, curb violence and promote healthy living. Sacramento Bee.
Legislation Aims To Help Patients Obtain Quicker Coverage for Pain Drugs
Under AB 369, by Assembly member Jared Huffman, insurers could require patients with chronic pain to try no more than two low-cost drugs before covering a physician-prescribed medication. The bill is before the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. Marin Independent Journal.
Medical Care Remains Inadequate at California Prisons, Report Finds
A new state report finds that health care conditions at 24 of California’s 33 prisons fell below minimum standards. The report notes that only six prisons performed adequately in providing inmates with swift medical care. AP/San Jose Mercury News, KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Opinion: Reform Law Raises Questions on Cultural Issues
“The gap between the size of the Latino population and the number of health professionals able to communicate competently is widening,” Chad Silva — statewide policy analyst for the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, vice chair for the Health Workforce Development Council and a member of the California Health Workforce Alliance’s steering committee — writes in a Capitol Weekly opinion piece. Silva adds that “Latinos make up 59% of the state’s uninsured population, and many will qualify for an expanded Medi-Cal and subsidized insurance” through the federal health reform law. However, “[i]f our health professionals cannot communicate with and understand the cultural context of their patients, the promise of reform … will go unrealized,” Silva concludes. Capitol Weekly.
Compensation Levels High for Officials in Public Health
Twenty-three Los Angeles County employees whose jobs relate to health care had salaries of between $352,000 and $441,000 in 2009, according to public employee salary data from the California State Controller’s Office. County officials say the salaries include overtime and bonus pay. According to industry analysts, such salaries are common in counties that run their own hospitals and directly employ physicians. Payers & Providers.
House Passes Legislation To Block Funding for School Health Clinics
On Wednesday, the House passed legislation that would strip $50 million in health reform law funding for school-based health clinics. Three Democrats voted in favor of the legislation, which is unlikely to pass the Senate. New York Times‘ “The Caucus,” CQ Today.
Adult Film Industry Clinic Closes Over Financial Issues
Sharon Mitchell — executive director of the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation clinic — said the health center has closed “over financial hardship.” The clinic, which caters to performers in the adult film industry, came under fire in recent months over a health data breach and licensure issues. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
State Stem Cell Agency Funds Human Clinical Trial for the First Time
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded $25 million to support Geron’s trial of a stem cell treatment. The award marks the first time that CIRM has provided funding for a human clinical trial. San Diego Union-Tribune, Los Angeles Times‘ “Booster Shots.”
Report Analyzes Proposals To Reduce State Worker Pensions
A report finds that two proposals could reduce pension benefits for hundreds of thousands of state workers by up to 40%. The report cautions that rising pension and retiree health costs could overwhelm California. Los Angeles Times, Ventura County Star.
San Diego County Considers Rx Drug Discount Program
Next week, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss a proposal to launch the Coast2Coast Rx Discount Prescription Card Program. More than three million residents could qualify for discounted prescription medication under the program, which would offer markdowns on dental, hearing and vision services, as well as imaging and lab tests. San Diego Union-Tribune.