Latest California Healthline Stories
Op-Ed: GOP Will Not Be Able To Repeal Health Reform Law
The pledges by Republican lawmakers and congressional candidates to repeal the health reform law are “largely political theater” because the GOP is unlikely to have the “60 votes in the Senate to overcome a filibuster” and “President Obama would surely wield his veto pen to prevent destruction of his signature legislative achievement,” Lawrence Jacobs — director of the Center for the Study of Politics in the Hubert Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota — and Theda Skocpol — a professor of government and sociology at Harvard University — write in a Los Angeles Times opinion piece. They add, “Obama’s legacy will stand in the end, and we’re betting that by 2025, if not sooner, we will look back and wonder what all the shouting was about.” Los Angeles Times.
Stockton Workers Accept Rise in Deductible, Copay Costs
On Saturday, Stockton city employees voted to make several adjustments to their health plan, including a $50 increase to deductibles and a $17 increase in copayments for brand-name prescription drugs. The changes will help the city avoid eight layoffs that were set to take effect last week after workers initially rejected the changes in July. Stockton Record.
UC, Medical Workers Reach Stop-Gap Contract Deal
The University of California and the University Professional Technical Employees-Communication Workers of America Local 9119 have reached a stop-gap agreement contract through June 2011 that postpones negotiations on key issues, such as wage hikes and pension contributions, until next year. The union represents about 2,800 pharmacists, clinical social workers and lab scientists at UC medical centers and student health clinics. Sacramento Business Journal.
S.F. Dept. of Public Health To Equip Doctors With EHRs
The San Francisco Department of Public Health is launching a two-year project to provide its 800 employed physicians with electronic health record and practice management systems from eClinicalWorks. The initiative aims to help doctors meet the requirements for the “meaningful use” incentive program. Healthcare IT News, Worcester Business Journal.
Maker of Electronic Cigarettes Will No Longer Market to Minors
U.S. electronic cigarette maker Smoking Everywhere will pay $170,000 to the California Office of the Attorney General to settle claims that the company marketed products to minors and said its products were safe. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Medical Workers Charged With Fraudulent Billing of Medicare, Medi-Cal
Physicians and medical staff associated with a clinic in North Hollywood are facing allegations that they illegally billed Medicare and Medi-Cal by performing an estimated $5 million in unneeded tests on homeless individuals. Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily News.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for October 2010
On Nov. 22, Kathleen Billingsley of the Department of Public Health will join CalPERS as the assistant executive officer for health benefits. Meanwhile, James Hinsdale has been selected to succeed Brennan Cassidy as president of the California Medical Association.
Dental Van Providing Care to Kids in El Dorado County
Last week, a mobile dental clinic, called the Children’s Dental Van, started providing dental services to children in El Dorado County. First 5 El Dorado provided the funding to purchase and equip the van, while the county’s Office of Education is providing a driver, maintenance and van storage. The Shingle Springs Tribal Health Program contracts with dental staff and the El Dorado County Health Services Department coordinates appointments. Sacramento Bee.
Three States To Vote on Individual Mandate in Health Care Reform Law
On Tuesday, residents in Arizona, Colorado and Oklahoma will vote on ballot items that would block implementation of the health reform law’s individual insurance mandate. Policy analysts have different views over what the initiatives represent. Kaiser Health News/Miami Herald.
Anthem Launches Website Focused on Women’s Health
On Wednesday, Anthem Blue Cross announced the launch of a new website designed to provide women in California with reliable and up-to-date health information. Anthem said the website would help women compare the cost and quality of local hospitals, find information on medical conditions and learn about how improved health could help lower costs. Healthcare IT News.