Latest California Healthline Stories
California Would Feel Impact of Impending Government Shutdown
A shutdown of the federal government would affect tens of thousands of federal workers in California. Although physicians at veterans’ hospitals would continue working, they likely would not receive payment until after the shutdown ends. San Francisco Chronicle, Fresno Bee.
GOP’s 2012 Federal Budget Plan Would Affect Medi-Cal
House Republicans’ fiscal year 2012 budget proposal would transform Medicaid into a block grant program, which could pose financial risks for states that see Medicaid enrollment or health care costs grow faster than projected trends, according to Toby Douglas, director of the California Department of Health Care Services. Douglas said cuts to Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, could ripple outward to other health care delivery services, affecting trauma care centers, hospitals and nursing facilities. KPCC’s “KPCC News,” KQED’s “The California Report.”
No-Cost Health Event Treats Thousands in Sacramento
A four-day traveling health clinic offering no-cost medical services drew to a close this week after seeing 3,400 patients at Cal Expo in Sacramento. The clinic was operated by Remote Area Medical and staffed by volunteer health workers. RAM plans to open its next temporary clinic in Oakland from Saturday through Tuesday. Sacramento Bee, Capitol Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Assembly Panel OKs Bill That Could Extend Some Seismic Safety Deadlines
The Assembly Committee on Health has approved a bill that could allow some hospitals to qualify for up to seven years of extensions in seismic safety deadlines. The bill would require hospitals seeking an extension to undergo a collapse risk assessment. California Watch.
Rate Cuts Prompt Specialists To Stop Accepting Medicaid
Many specialists have stopped treating Medicaid beneficiaries because of recent cuts in reimbursement rates. Last year, about 20 states reduced physicians’ Medicaid payments, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey. In addition, at least 16 governors have proposed cutting payments this year. New York Times.
Study: Reform Law To Expand Coverage, Hike State Spending
A new RAND study finds that the federal health reform law will help extend coverage to six million uninsured Californians by 2016. Researchers also say the overhaul will increase state spending by 7%. Sacramento Business Journal, Healthcare Finance News.
GOP’s Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Plan Triggers Contentious Debate
Many Republicans have praised House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan for releasing a plan to introduce Medicare vouchers and turn Medicaid into a block-grant system. However, Democrats say the proposed changes are too severe and could jeopardize benefits. CQ Today et al.
USC Hospital Resumes Kidney Transplants Following Error
USC University Hospital has reactivated its kidney transplant program following a Jan. 29 incident in which a kidney was given to the wrong patient. According to Cynthia Herrington — medical director of the USC Transplant Institute — the hospital has implemented new safeguards and trained staff to avoid repeating the error that led to the incorrect kidney transplant. Los Angeles Times, AP/Washington Post.
Senate Passes Measure To Repeal Reform Law’s Tax-Reporting Rule
On Tuesday, the Senate approved a bill to remove from the federal health reform law a tax-reporting provision that has been widely criticized. The measure, which already was passed by the House, now heads to President Obama, who is expected to sign it. Politico, CQ Today.
Governor Seeking To Rally Voter Support for Tax Plan
On Tuesday, Gov. Brown said he intends to travel around California to garner support among voters for his plan to extend certain taxes. Brown also indicated he might revise his budget plan following the tax season, when the state’s revenue situation will be clearer. In addition, Brown said he could release an all-cuts budget if no Republicans show support for his tax extension plan. Sacramento Bee, Contra Costa Times.