Latest California Healthline Stories
Revised ‘Extenders’ Bill Would Trim State Medicaid Assistance
Yesterday, Senate Democrats circulated a draft of a revised “extenders” bill, which would scale back the state Medicaid aid package over the proposed six-month extension and lower the overall cost of the bill by about $8.5 billion. CQ Today, CongressDaily.
Number of California RN Graduates Jumps 71.6% Over Five-Year Period
The number of registered nurse graduates in California has increased significantly since the state launched the California Nurse Education Initiative in 2005. The project aims to strengthen nursing education to address California’s RN shortage. Central Valley Business Times.
U.S. Health Care Ranks Last Among Developed Countries
The U.S. health care system ranks last when compared with six other developed countries, according to a new Commonwealth Fund report. The report found that U.S. residents spend twice as much on health care as residents of other developed nations, but receive lower quality and less efficient care. The study also found that the U.S. has the least equitable health system. Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis said she hoped the new health reform law and federal stimulus package would lead to improvements. Reuters.
NIH Rejects Use of 42 Stem Cell Lines for Federal Research
On Monday, NIH denied a request to approve an additional 42 human embryonic stem cell lines for use by federally funded researchers, ruling that such use violated strict new ethical guidelines. NIH’s decision means only researchers using private funding will be allowed to work on those lines. NIH Director Francis Collins did approve the use of eight other new stem cell lines by federally funded researchers. A total of 75 stem cell lines now are eligible for federal funding. Washington Post.
House Democrats Will Not Take Up Senate’s Stand-Alone ‘Doc Fix’
Yesterday, House Democrats said they would not take action on the stand-alone “doc fix” passed by the Senate last week to delay a scheduled 21% cut to physicians’ Medicare reimbursements. Meanwhile, the broader “extenders” bill remains stalled in the Senate. CQ Today et al.
Editorial Stumps for Bill on Smoking Cessation Coverage
A Los Angeles Times editorial argues that a bill by state Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) “starts with the right intention” by requiring health insurers to cover smoking-cessation programs. However, it adds, “Our only concern is that Yee’s bill would go beyond what any other state mandates by prohibiting insurers from requiring copayments or deductibles for smoking remedies. In addition, coverage would have to include over-the-counter drugs.” The editorial concludes, “With amendments to rein in the provisions on copayments and over-the-counter medications, the bill should pass. California should continue to be one of the nation’s leaders in combating the devastating consequences of smoking to both personal and public health.” Los Angeles Times.
Democrats’ New Budget Plan Would Shift Some Programs to Counties
California Senate Democrats presented a budget proposal that would grant counties control over about $4.3 billion in health, welfare and public safety programs currently run by the state. The plan also would impose a tax on oil extraction. Ventura County Star et al.
Deadline Looming for IHSS Care Providers To Re-Enroll With Program
About 16,000 in-home care providers have yet to re-enroll with California’s In-Home Supportive Services program. Caregivers who do not re-enroll with IHSS by the end of the month could stop receiving payments from the state. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now,” KPBS’ “KPBS News.”
Survey: Premiums Jumped by 20% for Individual Policyholders
Individual health insurance policyholders faced average premium increases of 20% when they last renewed coverage, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation survey. About 16% of those who faced premium hikes switched health plans. New York Times, CQ HealthBeat.
Budget Director Peter Orszag To Step Down From Post
White House Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag plans to step down from his post in the Obama administration. Orszag, who is expected to leave his job in July, would be the first member of President Obama’s Cabinet to depart. Orszag — who did not plan to stay in the position more than two years — likely will join a think tank, according to colleagues. Washington Post et al.