Latest California Healthline Stories
Supporters of Reforming Public Pensions Say Bill Would Not Be Effective
A bill aimed at regulating changes made to pensions by state public employees is too weak to be successful, advocates say. The bill contains union-supported amendments to allow for more items to be considered during pension negotiations. Los Angeles Times.
Report: 80% of State’s Small Businesses Can Get Health Coverage Credit
Tax credits for California small businesses with fewer than 25 employees will help the employers cover costs associated with health insurance for their workers. A new report finds that almost 80% of such businesses are eligible for the credits. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Editorial Touts Bill To Bolster California Nursing Programs
AB 867, by Assembly members Juan Arambula and Pedro Nava, would allow the California State University system to offer a doctorate in nursing and authorize CSU campuses to train their own nursing faculty, a Fresno Bee editorial states. It continues, “The San Joaquin Valley, which has long had a shortage of key health professionals, including doctors and nurses, would especially benefit from this bill.” Fresno Bee.
California Startup Firms Aim for Innovation in Health IT
Several new California-based technology companies are working to transform health care delivery through innovative new health IT tools. Some firms are developing Web-based electronic health record systems to improve physician workflow, while others are launching online patient portals to help consumers manage their health conditions and compare treatment options. San Jose Mercury News.
In-Home Care Workers Offer To Boost Health Pension Contributions
In-Home Supportive Services employees in San Mateo County are willing to increase their health care contributions to counteract funding reductions proposed by the governor. The proposal could remove services for up to 2,500 individuals. San Jose Mercury News, Contra Costa Times.
University Launches Nursing School Amid Funding Strain
This month, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science is expected to open a $43 million building that will house the university’s first nursing school. However, Drew University interim President Keith Norris said the university will need to start using reserve funds next month to make loan payments on the building. If the university does not secure financial assistance, it could run out of funds to pay for the new nursing school, thus putting the university’s financial future at risk. Los Angeles Times.
States Receive Grants To Boost Regulation of Health Plan Rates
Yesterday, HHS announced a $46 million grant program to help states enforce new health insurance regulations under the health reform law. California plans to use its grant to improve data collection on proposed rate hikes. Los Angeles Times et al.
Federal Agencies Offer Enrollment Models for States
Last week, the Health IT Policy Committee’s enrollment work group recommended that states follow the lead of federal agencies as they work to set up electronic health insurance exchanges under the health reform law. Work group members noted that the Department of Homeland Security, the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration all use Web services or electronic interfaces to verify eligibility for various programs. Government Health IT.
Report Questions GOP Plan To Repeal Reform Law’s Tax Filing Rules
A new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities finds that a Republican proposal to repeal a tax filing requirement in the health reform law would cut preventive care funding while allowing businesses to avoid paying certain taxes. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
UC, Others Team Up on California Telehealth Network
On Tuesday, the University of California and a group of health organizations, government agencies and technology firms plan to launch the California Telehealth Network. The network aims to connect more than 300 medical facilities and 800 physician practices to state and national broadband networks. The project has received more than $22.5 million in funding, including an unspecified amount from the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Health Care Pilot Program. San Francisco Business Times.