Latest California Healthline Stories
Two Kaiser Permanente Units Vote for NUHW; One Unit Goes for SEIU
Behavioral health services workers and optical workers voted for representation by the National Union of Healthcare Workers. Medical-social workers voted to be represented by Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West. Sacramento Business Journal.
Panel Recommends Cuts to Health Care Spending To Address National Debt
The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform has issued a draft report outlining several approaches to reducing health care spending as a means to addressing the national debt. The report proposes certain cuts to Medicare. The Hill‘s “HealthWatch” et al.
Center To Provide Help With Homeless Patients’ Transition
The Hospital Association of Southern California, in partnership with the National Health Foundation and West Coast University, is setting up the Los Angeles Recuperative Care Program, which will serve the medical needs and provide housing referrals to homeless patients transitioning from inpatient care to recuperative care. West Coast University provided $50,000 for the initiative, which is based on a model in Orange County. Contra Costa Times, Modern Healthcare.
Op-Ed Commends State’s Leadership on Health Reform
“California is independent and ahead of the health care reform curve” because through “Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s leadership, California quickly established the nation’s first new marketplace for individuals and small businesses to buy health coverage,” Daniel Zingale — senior vice president for the California Endowment — writes in a Los Angeles Daily News opinion piece. Zingale adds, “Starting in 2014, businesses and health care providers in California will have a new set of accountability tools to keep health care expenses in check,” concluding, “California is well positioned for success.” Los Angeles Daily News.
California Nurses Association To Push Gov-Elect on Issues
Officials with the California Nurses Association say they will press Gov.-elect Jerry Brown on several issues, including boosting nursing education, stricter enforcement of workplace staffing ratios and universal health care legislation for California residents. Sterling Clifford, a spokesperson for the governor-elect, said Brown is open to hearing all input from CNA. Wall Street Journal.
Some Companies Could Shift Health Costs to High-Earners
A growing number of U.S. companies are looking to adopt a tiered system that would require higher-earning workers to contribute more toward their medical costs or premiums and deductibles. The tiered model would vary those payments for low- to middle-income workers. Employers are expected to face higher health costs during the new enrollment season because of health system changes spurred by the federal health reform law. New York Times.
Opinion: Prison Health Cuts Could Create Larger Problems
The budget package that Gov. Schwarzenegger signed this year cuts $820 million from prison health services, “crippling a system that has been placed under federal receivership because of gross patient neglect,” Jim Lindburg — legislative director for the Friends Committee on Legislation of California — writes in a Sacramento Bee opinion piece. Although the state has proposed new construction projects to address prison overcrowding, Lindburg writes that “[c]utting mental health services or drug treatment programs while prioritizing prison and jail construction will not solve California’s prison crisis.” Sacramento Bee.
Federal Officials Grant Exceptions From Reform Law for Smaller Plans
The Obama administration is offering an increasing number of waivers to insurers and employers in an effort to keep them from dropping health insurance coverage. Officials also are planning to adjust other health reform law rules on limited-benefit policies. New York Times.
Overcrowding Issues Decrease at L.A. County-USC Hospital
“Dangerously” overcrowded conditions at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center’s 600-bed emergency department decreased from 16 hours a day in August to about five hours daily last month, according to Los Angeles County health officials. Hospital staff also have lowered by 50% the number of patients who leave the ED without being seen. Los Angeles Times.
California’s Largest State Worker Union Seals Deal With Schwarzenegger
Service Employees International Union Local 1000 has ratified a new labor contract with the Schwarzenegger administration that is expected to reduce state spending by nearly $400 million. The agreement takes effect immediately and expires in July 2013. Sacramento Bee et al.