Latest California Healthline Stories
Obama Vows To Protect Health Overhaul, Open to Some Modifications
During the State of the Union address, President Obama pledged to ensure that the federal health reform law remains intact. However, he indicated he is willing to work with Congress to adjust the law, such as removing a tax-reporting provision for businesses. Politico et al.
Panel Reviewed 652 Medical Research Projects Last Year
In 2010, the state Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects reviewed 652 projects worth more than $350 million in state and federal funds. The committee is responsible for protecting human test subjects from possible abuse. The group usually signs off on projects it deems “minimal risk,” a measurement of the level of physical or psychological risk. Sacramento Bee.
Officials: Too Early To Know When IOUs Could Be Needed
State Controller John Chiang said a number of factors still have to play out before California begins issuing IOUs or delaying payments. Chiang’s office and the Department of Finance did not reject a claim made by state Treasurer Bill Lockyer over the weekend that California could start issuing IOUs by April. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Calif. Applying To Expand Family Planning Services Under Reform
The federal health reform law includes a provision designed to make it easier for states to expand Medicaid coverage of family planning services. California is one of a handful of states that have applied for the new reform law program. Politico.
Report Eyes Economic Impact of UC-Davis Health System
UC-Davis’ health system helps generate more than $3.4 billion in economic output, according to a study commissioned by the university. The study notes that UC-Davis’ health system employs about 9,700 physicians, nurses and other staff and supports more than 20,000 jobs throughout northern California. Sacramento Bee.
Editorial Takes Issue With CBO Projections on Reform
According to an Oakland Tribune editorial, the Congressional Budget Office’s projection that the federal health reform law will reduce the federal deficit by $230 billion over 10 years is misleading because most of the cost-inducing provisions of the overhaul do not take effect until 2014. The editorial states, “Disguising the costs by using a time period that includes 10 years of income and six years of outgo undermines productive debate on health care reform.” Oakland Tribune.
Opinion Piece Warns Against Adult Day Health Care Cuts
Gov. Brown’s budget proposal to eliminate funding for adult day health care centers would be “disastrous” because the program “prevents unnecessary hospitalization, … retards the migration to more costly nursing facility placement [and] helps free up the ever-congested mental health system,” Gene Lizaso — assistant administrator for Tender Heart Adult Day Health Care — writes in a San Bernardino County Sun opinion piece. Lizaso adds that closing adult day health care facilities would “force the state to forfeit nearly $164 million a year received from federal matching funds.” San Bernardino County Sun.
Advocates Concerned About Proposed Cuts to Veterans’ Programs
Under Gov. Brown’s budget proposal, two programs that help California veterans obtain health benefits and other services could face nearly $10 million in spending reductions. Advocates have expressed concern over the possible consequences of such cuts. San Diego Union-Tribune.
U.S., California Latinos Expected To Benefit Under Health Reform
Latinos make up about 36% of California’s population, but they are expected to account for about 55% of the uninsured state residents who will gain coverage under the federal health reform law. A large percentage of Latinos have expressed support for the overhaul. Politico.
White House To Focus on Health Care Services for Military, Families
On Monday, the Obama administration unveiled a new initiative that aims to improve the lives of service members and their families. The effort involves about 50 federal agencies, including HHS, and touches on several health care-related areas. Politico, Los Angeles Times.