Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Worker Training Programs Struggle To Meet Demand in Calif.
A new survey finds that many community colleges in California lack sufficient resources to accept all qualified applicants for health worker training programs. According to the survey, such programs often are colleges’ most sought-after educational tracks. California Watch et al.
Report: Hospitals Must Work on Breastfeeding Policies
California hospitals need stronger policies to support women who seek to breastfeed their infants, according to a new report from the UC-Davis Human Lactation Center and the WIC Association. The report encourages development of “baby-friendly” practices, such as nursing within an hour of delivery, training staff and not giving infants formula or pacifiers unless medically necessary. HealthyCal et al.
Health Net, Sutter Health To Start Lower-Cost HMO Plan
Health Net of California and Sutter Health are planning to introduce a new HMO plan in the Sacramento area. In theory, the “narrow network” plan will reduce premiums for employers with employees who seek health care almost entirely at Sutter hospitals and associated physicians. San Francisco Business Times.
Three Health Insurers Agree To Delay Rate Hikes for 60 Days
Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and PacifiCare said they will comply with Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones’ request to postpone scheduled premium increases. Meanwhile, Blue Shield of California is moving ahead with its rate hike plans. Los Angeles Times et al.
Study: Incentives Do Not Boost Care Outcomes for Blood Pressure Patients
A new report finds that financial incentives given to physicians to meet patient care targets did not significantly change quality of care for patients with high blood pressure. The study suggests engaging doctors in patient care may do more to motivate physicians. Reuters et al.
More States Could Ask U.S. Officials for Medicaid Waiver
Dan Mendelson — CEO of consulting firm Avalere Health — said more states are considering waiver requests similar to the one made earlier this week by Arizona. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer recently approved legislation allowing her to request a waiver from a provision in the health reform law requiring states to maintain Medicaid eligibility. Anthony Cava — spokesperson for the California Department of Health Care Services — said California is not seeking a similar waiver. Bloomberg.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of January 28, 2010
Last week, workers at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center voted to remain with Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West. Meanwhile, the Daughters of Charity Health System has launched a reorganization initiative designed to curb costs.
LAO: Proposed Cuts to In-Home Services Could Face Challenges in Court
California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office has released a report suggesting that Gov. Brown’s proposed cuts to the In-Home Supportive Services program could face legal challenges. Brown’s budget plan calls for the state to reduce spending on IHSS by about 43%. Sacramento Bee.
Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan To Open in Marin County
Starting July 1, most Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Marin County will receive coverage through the managed care organization Partnership HealthPlan of California. Marin County supervisors are expected to approve the transition to managed care in March. Marin Independent Journal.
CIRM Awards Nearly $33M in Stem Cell Research Grants
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded $32.9 million in grants to seven not-for-profit groups and three for-profit companies. The funding will go toward various efforts, such as mass-producing active stem cells, developing synthetic environments to cultivate stem cells and overcoming technological barriers in the process of moving research projects into clinical trials. San Diego Union-Tribune, Los Angeles Daily News.