Latest California Healthline Stories
Survey: Funding Uncertainty Impeding Stem Cell Research
A temporary ban on federal funding for research involving human embryonic stem cells has disrupted some scientists’ work, according to a survey published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. Of the 370 researchers surveyed, 50 said they were delaying their plans for embryonic stem cell research, 34 said they were shifting away from pursuing such research in the future and 44 said policy uncertainty was impeding further research. Los Angeles Times‘ “Booster Shots.”
More Californians See Childhood Obesity as Major Health Problem
A new Field Poll finds that nearly 60% of Californians say childhood obesity is a “very serious” problem, up from 46% in 2003. Many respondents say they would support more physical education classes and a ban on soda in schools. Los Angeles Times et al.
Dave Jones Outlines Goals as New Insurance Commissioner
In an interview, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said that implementation of the federal health reform law and giving his office the power to deny excessive premium hikes are his top priorities. Jones said that California should continue to move forward in accordance with the reform law despite Republican efforts to repeal the law. Modesto Bee.
Salary Gap Exists Between Male, Female Physicians
Recent female medical school graduates have annual incomes nearly $17,000 less than their male counterparts, even though women increasingly are entering high-income specialties, according to a new Health Affairs study. Researchers said the pay gap could stem from female physicians intentionally accepting less pay for jobs that offer flexible work hours and more family-friendly benefits. Reuters, Los Angeles Times‘ “Booster Shots.”
Bill Would Offer Tax Exemption for Coverage of Adult Children
California currently levies taxes on the premiums employers pay to provide health coverage to their workers’ nondependent adult children. A new bill would align the state tax code with federal rules exempting such benefits from taxable income. Sacramento Bee.
Hospitals Taking Steps To Reduce Operating Expenses
Many California hospitals are putting measures in place to trim operating costs. For example, San Jose-based O’Connor Hospital is eliminating staff positions, investing in technology and building all-private rooms to cope with a jump in emergency department visits and patients’ having higher copayments and premiums. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.
Supreme Court Could Rule Along Party Lines on Health Reform Law
Judges who upheld the health reform law in recent court cases were appointed by Democratic presidents, while those who struck down all or part of the law were appointed by Republicans. Observers say the U.S. Supreme Court also could rule along party lines. New York Times.
Opinion: Overhaul Needed for Health Insurance Enrollment
“Last month, the state lost an opportunity to receive tens of millions of dollars in federal funding to provide health care to uninsured kids” because California “didn’t enroll enough eligible children in its government health plans,” Phil Lebherz — executive director of the Foundation for Health Coverage Education — writes in a Los Angeles Times opinion piece. Lebherz argues that “California has a cumbersome system that acts as a roadblock to enrolling eligible children,” adding that a possible solution is “to allow people eligible for Medi-Cal to sign up for it … when they receive medical care.” Los Angeles Times.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for January 2011
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones recently named several new appointments to the state Department of Insurance’s executive team. Meanwhile, Kaiser Permanente has tapped Elizabeth McGlynn to serve as director of its Center for Effectiveness and Safety Research.
Study: Physician Views Vary on Personal Health Records
Sixty-four percent of physicians have never used personal health records in their practice, according to a new Health Affairs study. The study also finds that 42% of doctors would be willing to use PHRs, while 24% would be unwilling to use the tools. Modern Healthcare.