Latest California Healthline Stories
Senate Set To Vote on Extending Funding for Medicaid Programs
Today, the Senate is slated to vote on a bill that includes $16.1 billion for state Medicaid programs. Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, would receive $1.3 billion, which is less than the $1.8 billion sought by Gov. Schwarzenegger. New York Times et al.
Study: Unsupervised Nurse Anesthetists Do Not Add Risk
Allowing unsupervised nurse anesthetists to administer anesthesia did not increase the risk of patient complications or mortality, according to a new study published in the journal Health Affairs. The study’s authors say the findings raise questions about a CMS requirement that nurse anesthetists be supervised by an anesthesiologist or surgeon to receive Medicare reimbursement. States can opt out of the requirement by petitioning CMS. HealthLeaders Media.
S.F. Supervisor Sends Laura’s Law Proposal Back to Committee
San Francisco Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier sent her proposal to enact the mental health law back to committee after a public health official said the measure would not increase officials’ ability to require medication for people with mental illness. San Francisco Chronicle.
Democrats Propose Tax Shifts To Avert Health Program Cuts
Yesterday, Democratic legislators released a budget proposal that would change the way Californians are taxed in an effort to avert Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposed cuts to state health programs and other social services. Sacramento Bee et al.
Poll: 59% of Likely Voters Favor Repeal of Reform Law
A new Rasmussen poll finds that 59% of likely voters favor repealing the federal health reform law, the highest level of support Rasmussen has recorded since the law’s passage. Thirty-eight percent of respondents said they want the law to remain in place. Only 32% of respondents said they think the law is good for the country, while 57% said the law is bad for the nation, the highest level of disapproval recorded by the polling firm since March. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” UPI.
Hospitals in San Joaquin Valley Turn to Telemedicine
Adventist Health Central Valley Network and Sierra Kings District Hospital are among the facilities seeking teleradiology services from Ohio-based Radisphere National Radiology Group. Hospital officials say the technology allows them to improve health care by turning to experts not on staff to remotely read X-rays and other digital scans. However, critics question whether such services provide accurate readings. Fresno Bee.
CDC Report Finds Jump in Obesity Rate, Now at 26.7% of U.S. Populace
Almost 73 million people, or 26.7% of the U.S. population, were found to be obese in 2009, a CDC report finds. Obesity rates were highest among older individuals and in the South, where nine states have rates exceeding 30%. Wall Street Journal et al.
Missouri Voters Reject Individual Mandate in Health Care Reform Law
Seventy-one percent of Missouri voters approved a measure to ban the individual mandate to obtain health insurance under the federal health reform law. The state is the first nationwide to hold a vote on a provision of the overhaul. New York Times et al.
Editorial: Medical Parole Bill Makes Financial Sense
California lawmakers should pass a bill to grant medical parole to the state’s sickest inmates to save “nearly $75 million” annually and to “allow the state to tap federal funds for Medicare and Medi-Cal,” a Sacramento Bee editorial states. The editorial says that the bill would affect only those inmates who “pose no threat to public safety” and are “permanently medically incapacitated,” concluding that the bill “is a money saver at a time when every dime counts.” Sacramento Bee.
Seniors, Disabled Protest In-Home Care Cuts in San Joaquin County
Elderly and disabled residents are protesting San Joaquin County’s decision to allow its contract with in-home care provider Addus HealthCare to expire. Officials said the move will reduce county spending by about $400,000 annually. Stockton Record, Lodi News-Sentinel.