Latest California Healthline Stories
Op-Ed: Approve Measure A To Help Fund Healthy Kids
“Making sure that our children are healthy is not a partisan issue,” and voters should “guarantee that all children in Santa Clara County” have “access to health insurance” by approving Measure A on Nov. 2, Cindy Chavez — vice mayor of San Jose — and Carl Guardino — president and CEO of Silicon Valley Leadership Group — write in a San Jose Mercury News opinion piece. Measure A would fund the county’s Healthy Kids insurance program, which provides “preventive health care services, immunizations and regular health checkups,” Chavez and Guardino write. San Jose Mercury News.
Panelists Discuss Fiscal Strain for County Health Programs
During a forum held last week by the Humboldt Chapter of Health Care for All, panelists discussed how the state budget affects county health programs. Phillip Smith-Hanes, Humboldt County administrative officer, said the county currently pays about $2 million annually to provide indigent care for residents who do not qualify for state health insurance programs. David Welch — member of the board of directors for the California Nurses Association — suggested that adopting a single-payer health care system could reduce state spending by as much as $5 billion annually. Humboldt Times-Standard.
State Medical Centers Receive $85 Million in Health Reform Funds
The funds are part of more than $700 million in HHS grants to community health centers across the nation to improve technology and build new clinics. The grants are part of the federal health overhaul, which will provide an additional $11 billion over five years. Washington Post et al.
Private Ventura Co. Health Workers Want To Join Union
About 400 support staff at private Ventura County health care clinics are seeking representation from the Service Employees International Union. Union representation would allow workers to negotiate pay and benefits issues. Union officials say the county acts a co-employer of the workers, but county officials say the employees are not county workers and cannot organize under SEIU. Ventura County Star.
Kaiser Offers Clarification on Plans in San Joaquin County
Last week, Kaiser Permanente issued a statement clarifying the re-enrollment options for San Joaquin County residents enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage health plan. Kaiser said it now will offer two Senior Advantage plans: an enhanced plan with a $75 monthly premium and a basic plan with no premium. Current Senior Advantage members must re-enroll in one of the two programs to continue receiving coverage. Stockton Record.
Budget Package Tightens Worker Restrictions for In-Home Care Program
The budget package included bills to restrict people with certain felony convictions from serving as caregivers in the In-Home Supportive Services program. The new rules also call for IHSS beneficiaries to receive notice of a caregiver’s disqualification. Los Angeles Times.
Legislature Signs Off on Measures To Extend State’s Medi-Cal Waiver
Two newly passed bills would establish a five-year Medi-Cal plan to draw down about $10 billion in federal funding. Gov. Schwarzenegger and federal officials still must approve the Medicaid waiver. Capitol Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Michigan Judge Throws Out Challenge to Health Law’s Insurance Mandate
On Thursday, a federal judge in Michigan rejected a request to place a preliminary injunction on the individual mandate contained in the health reform law. The judge ruled the provision falls under congressional power to regulate interstate commerce. Washington Post et al.
Most Doctors Say They Will Obtain Flu Shot, Survey Says
Ninety-five percent of U.S. physicians say they plan to get a flu shot this year, according to an online survey of 400 doctors. The survey found that 96% of physicians say they recommend the vaccine to family members and friends. This year’s flu vaccine is meant to defend against the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, and two additional flu strains. Reuters.
SEIU Wins Showdown To Represent Kaiser Health Workers in California
Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West secured 18,290 votes in a battle to represent Kaiser Permanente workers in California. SEIU defeated the upstart National Union of Healthcare Workers, which received 11,364 votes. Los Angeles Times et al.