Latest California Healthline Stories
Brown Declares Fiscal Emergency To Jump-Start Work on Budget
Yesterday, Gov. Brown proclaimed a fiscal emergency, resetting a 45-day countdown for legislative action on the state budget deficit. Brown’s budget proposal calls for major cuts to health services, as well as reductions in the state work force. Reuters et al.
Dental Care Program Kicks Off in San Bernardino County
A new three-year program in San Bernardino County aims to provide 3,000 children ages five and younger and 1,000 pregnant women with no-cost dental assessments, education and care. First 5 San Bernardino last year awarded a $1.2 million grant to the Dental Health Foundation — now called the Center for Oral Health — to establish clinics throughout the county for the program. Redlands Daily Facts.
Editorial: GOP Lacks Viable Alternative to Reform Law
“As House Republicans prepared for a symbolic vote to repeal the comprehensive health care reform law enacted last year, the Obama administration sought to remind lawmakers” that the law aims to improve access to health insurance for millions of U.S. residents with pre-existing medical conditions, a Los Angeles Times editorial states. It continues, “The House GOP has acknowledged the problem faced by those with pre-existing conditions, but it’s offering nothing specific to help them.” Los Angeles Times.
California Hospitals Face Rising Costs for Health Benefits, Survey Finds
Between 2009 and 2010, health care coverage costs for California hospitals rose by 9% among those offering HMO and PPO plans and by 11% among those offering point-of-service plans, according to a new survey by insurance brokerage firm Keenan & Associates. Payers & Providers.
Hearing Set for NUHW-SEIU Dispute Over Union Elections
William Baudler — acting director of the National Labor Relations Board for Region 32 in Oakland — has rejected 88 of 118 objections filed by the National Union of Healthcare Workers over an October election to represent Kaiser Permanente employees. The union vote involved NUHW and the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West. The 30 remaining objections will be the subject of a hearing scheduled for Feb. 7. Sacramento Business Journal.
Judge Says Same-Sex Spouses Can Sue Over Denied Health Benefits
A federal judge has denied the Obama administration’s request to dismiss a lawsuit challenging CalPERS’ refusal to enroll same-sex spouses in a long-term health care program. The judge ruled that state employees can sue over the denial of health benefits. San Francisco Chronicle.
Study Finds Discrepancy in Medicare Coverage of Preventive Care Services
Medicare pays for only a portion of preventive services recommended by health care experts but does cover some screening tests that are not recommended, according to a new study. The researchers say the reasons behind the inconsistency remain unclear. Reuters.
Six More States Join Lawsuit Against Health Reform Law
On Tuesday, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) announced that she has filed a motion in federal court to add six more states to the list of plaintiffs in the multistate lawsuit against the federal health reform law. The six states are Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Ohio, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Bondi said the addition of states would not delay U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson’s decision in the lawsuit, which is expected before the end of this month. Miami Herald et al.
House Approves Bill To Repeal Health Reform, Plans Next Steps
With three Democrats in support, the House has voted 245-189 to approve a bill that would repeal the federal health reform law. Republican-led committees are expected to work on smaller measures to replace elements of the law. Wall Street Journal et al.
Repeal of Reform Law Could Hinder California’s Health Benefit Exchange
California could continue rolling out a statewide health insurance exchange if the reform law were repealed, but the exchange might not operate as intended without the federal mandate requiring nearly all residents to obtain coverage. KPCC’s “KPCC News,” San Jose Mercury News.