Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Aims To Get Around Judge’s Ruling on Stem Cell Research Funding
Yesterday, Sen. Arlen Specter introduced legislation that would update guidelines on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. The bill aims to circumvent a recent ruling by a district court judge that temporarily prohibited such funding. CQ Today et al.
Medical School Restructures Board in Bid for Funding Aid
Last week, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science’s board of trustees resigned and appointed new members to the panel. The outgoing board also created a board of councilors to advise the trustees. The change in leadership structure is part of an effort to bring in more financial support for the university, which has struggled to make loan payments on the $43 million it borrowed to build a new nursing school. Los Angeles Times.
Kelso: Separate Prison Health Care From Corrections Dept.
To improve California’s medical care for inmates, “we need to formally remove the operational part of prison health care from the management of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation by establishing an organizationally separate, board-governed health care authority,” J. Clark Kelso, the state’s federally appointed receiver for prison health care, writes in a Sacramento Bee opinion piece. Kelso adds that over the last 18 months, he has led an effort that “implemented substantial changes to improve quality of care” for inmates “while simultaneously reducing unnecessary costs.” Sacramento Bee.
San Mateo Officials Address Jury Input on Indigent Care
San Mateo County officials are working on a response to civil grand jury recommendations to adjust indigent health care services. In part, the jury said the county should remove services that are not fully funded. County officials say they are working to maximize funding potential and identify non-essential services. San Mateo Daily Journal.
White House in Favor of Change to Tax-Reporting Provision in Reform Law
The Obama administration has asked Senate leaders to support a change to the health reform law that would impose additional tax-reporting requirements for small businesses. It is the first time the administration has sought to change a provision in the overhaul. Politico et al.
States Grapple With Structure, Rules for Insurance Exchanges
The health reform law calls for the creation of health insurance exchanges, but leaves states with some leeway in determining how to organize them. States are considering different options for regulating the exchanges and selecting health plans. Politico.
Voters To Decide on Tax for Kids’ Health Program in Santa Clara County
For the first time in its history, Santa Clara County’s Healthy Kids program has a waiting list of children in need of health coverage. On Nov. 2, voters will decide whether to impose a $29 annual parcel tax to help fund the program. San Jose Mercury News.
Orange County Agencies See High Retiree Health Costs
Orange County and its cities have accumulated nearly $1 billion in unfunded liabilities for long-term retiree health benefits, according to an Orange County Register analysis. Using data from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, the Register analysis finds that Orange County and its cities paid nearly $50 million for retiree health care in fiscal year 2009-2010. It notes that most Orange County cities are paying the bare minimum to cover retiree health costs. Orange County Register.
Stakeholders Try To Get Word Out on Young Adult Insurance
Many health insurance plans, schools and employers are facing challenges in publicizing a rule in the federal health reform law that allows children up to age 26 to remain on their parents’ health insurance policies. Many children who are not full-time students lose that coverage when they turn 19. The provision takes effect Sept. 23 and is expected to extend coverage to an estimated 1.2 million individuals in 2011. Pasadena Star News.
As Budget Impasse Drags on, Loans for California Health Clinics Run Dry
Clinics are struggling to meet their financial obligations during the state’s budget deadlock. Health centers recently exhausted a $22 million loan fund, and similar funds could run out soon. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”