Latest California Healthline Stories
Brown Nabs Newspaper Gubernatorial Endorsements
On Sunday, the Sacramento Bee and the San Francisco Chronicle endorsed Attorney General Jerry Brown for governor. The Bee argues that Brown “is the best-equipped candidate to work with legislators to reform the budget process and cut through partisan squabbles over water, education funding, pension reform and other issues.” Meanwhile, the Chronicle notes that former e-Bay CEO Meg Whitman, Brown’s GOP challenger, has a platform consisting of “platitudes and ideas that would be nonstarters … for even the most inspirational of leaders.” It concludes that Brown “gets our endorsement in an imperfect but critical choice between a politician Californians know too well and one they barely know.” Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle.
Measure on Health, Pension Benefits Divides S.F. Leaders
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and labor groups oppose ballot measure to require city workers to pay more for their health and pension benefits. However, Proposition B has the support from Public Defender Jeff Adachi, creator of the ballot measure, former Mayor Willie Brown and others. San Francisco Chronicle.
Governor Vetoes Syringe Sale Bill, Extends Pilot Project
Last week, Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill, by Sen. Leland Yee, that would have let pharmacies throughout the state sell sterile syringes to adults without a prescription in an effort to curb the spread of HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases. Instead, the governor signed into law AB 1701, by Assembly member Wes Chesbro, which will extend for eight years the existing Disease Prevention Demonstration Project. The pilot project lets city and county governments determine whether to let pharmacies sell syringes. San Jose Mercury News.
California Receives Federal Grant To Promote Nutrition
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that California and three other states would receive federal grants to improve nutrition through the federal Women, Infants and Children program. California is slated to receive $399,341 for a project to promote healthy eating among older infants and toddlers. Sacramento Bee.
State Leaders Reach Agreement To Close California’s $19B Deficit
Gov. Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders reached a budget compromise on Friday, and the Legislature could vote on the plan as early as this week. Sources say the proposal includes cuts to health and human services programs. Sacramento Bee et al.
Governor Signs Bill Targeting Prison Health Care Costs
On Thursday, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed into law AB 1985, by Assembly member Cathleen Galgiani, which requires California Prison Health Care Services to streamline and track claims paid to contract health care providers. The law is expected to save at least $5 million to $10 million, according to a news release. Merced Sun-Star.
Health Industry Leaders Donating More to GOP After Health Overhaul
In recent months, key health care industry players have shifted their political contributions from Democrats and lobbyists who supported the federal health reform law to Republicans, according to recently released data analyses and federal election filings. Politico.
AAMC: Health Reform Law To Exacerbate Doctor Shortage
Last week, the Association of American Medical Colleges announced that the nation’s physician shortage will worsen as more uninsured U.S. residents gain coverage as a result of the federal health care reform law. The group previously forecast a shortage of 39,600 physicians by 2015 as members of the baby boomer generation begin qualifying for Medicare coverage. However, AAMC now says the nation will have a shortfall of 62,900 physicians by 2015 because of the expected rise in patient demand resulting from the overhaul. Wall Street Journal‘s “Health Blog,” Reuters.
Blue Shield Mulls Expansion of Accountable Care Program
Blue Shield of California is considering a statewide expansion of its Sacramento-based accountable care organization pilot program, which the insurer launched earlier this year with Catholic Healthcare West and Hill Physicians Medical Group. The pilot program helps coordinate care for about 38,000 retired government workers who receive coverage through CalPERS. Project organizers say the program has contributed to a 4% decline in hospital admissions, a 9% reduction in average length of hospital stay and a 24% drop in readmissions. Payers & Providers.
California Becomes First State To Create Health Benefit Exchange
Gov. Schwarzenegger signed AB 1602 and SB 900, making California the first state to establish a health insurance exchange under the federal health reform law. The governor also took action on other health-related bills. San Francisco Chronicle et al.