Latest California Healthline Stories
PAC Funds Ads Against Jones’ Bid for State Insurance Post
The California Chamber of Commerce’s political action committee, called JobsPAC, is spending $280,234 to fund media production for television advertisements opposing Assembly member Dave Jones (D-Sacramento) in his campaign for state insurance commissioner. Jones is running against Assembly member Mike Villines (R-Clovis). According to campaign finance disclosure documents, JobsPAC has received six contributions totaling $387,000 from entities associated with the insurance industry. Los Angeles Times.
Summit Discusses Health IT Among Safety-Net Providers
The federally designated Regional Extension Centers will need to develop outreach strategies to encourage electronic health record adoption among rural health care providers and safety-net clinics, panelists said during this week’s National Regional Extension Centers and Health Information Exchange Summit West in San Francisco. HITEC-LA, one of California’s three RECs, said it is leveraging L.A. Care Health Plan’s resources and infrastructure to promote health information technology among numerous health care providers. Healthcare IT News.
Testing Flaw Let Medical Workers With History of Drug Misuse Stay on Job
More than 140 medical workers have been allowed to keep practicing after testing positive on drug screenings because of a flawed standard used by a state subcontractor. The company is conducting new tests and re-evaluating the previous cases. Los Angeles Times.
Many Insured Families Forgo Kids’ Health Care, Citing Costs
In the past year, about 13% of insured parents said they have not sought care recommended by pediatricians for their children, citing costs as the primary reason, according to a new study from Wright State University in Ohio. Privately insured parents were more likely to forgo care for their children than parents whose children were insured through public programs, such as Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. HealthDay/USA Today.
Legislature Passes Budget Plan, Sends Package to Governor
This morning, the Senate approved the main bill in an $87.5 billion spending plan, hours after the Assembly passed the budget package. The legislation now heads to Gov. Schwarzenegger on the 100th day of California’s fiscal year. Sacramento Bee et al.
Medicare Advantage Plan To Cease Coverage in Santa Cruz
The AARP MedicareComplete SecureHorizons HMO — a Medicare Advantage plan run by UnitedHealthcare — will stop serving Santa Cruz County in 2011, according to a letter UHC sent to beneficiaries. Officials plan to post an online list of alternate health plan options by Oct. 15. SecureHorizons covers about 2,500 residents in the county. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of October 8, 2010
Next week, nearly 700 nurses plan to hold a three-day strike at Children’s Hospital Oakland over a contract dispute. Meanwhile, California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development has issued a certificate of occupancy for Palmdale Regional Medical Center.
Report Questions Whether Hospital Clout Affects Costs
This week, the American Hospital Association released a report by the consulting firm Compass Lexecon that casts doubt on whether hospital consolidation is causing an increase in health care costs. The report also questions the findings from an April 2010 Health Affairs study that linked hospital market power to rising prices in California. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Program To Check Applicants for Long-Term Care Positions
CMS has awarded $13.7 million to six states to set up background check programs designed to identify individuals who are unsuitable to work in long-term care settings. The funding — part of the health reform law — aims to improve patient care and reduce elder abuse. The reform law allocates enough funding for all states to participate, according to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. United Press International.
Legislature To Vote on Budget Plan After Months of Deadlock
Today, lawmakers are set to vote on a plan that includes $937 million in spending reductions for health and human services. The proposal also assumes the state will receive $1.3 billion in higher federal Medi-Cal payments. Sacramento Bee et al.