Latest California Healthline Stories
Education Linked to Insurance Coverage, UCLA Study Finds
A recent study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research finds that about 42% of women without a high school diploma lack health insurance coverage, compared with about 25% of women with a high school diploma and 11% of women with a college degree. According to the researchers, the study underscores the importance of encouraging women to pursue higher education. The study used data from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey. Los Angeles Times‘ “Booster Shots.”
Health Reform Law To Have Mixed Effect on California Counties
Although health insurance exchanges could help counties simplify Medi-Cal enrollment, the exchanges also could add new layers of complication. The reform law also is expected to provide more funding for community-based health care. PublicCEO, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Stimulus Funds Boost Medical Research Projects at UC-Davis
The 2009 federal economic stimulus package provided $1.1 billion for projects in the Sacramento region, including $100 million to improve research and facilities at UC-Davis. The university plans to spend $14 million of its stimulus funds on a research center for respiratory diseases and use additional stimulus grants for projects on diabetes and electronic data transfer. Sacramento Bee.
West Wireless Health Institute Bolstered by $25M Donation
The West Wireless Health Institute has announced that San
Diego philanthropists Gary and Mary West plan to donate an additional $25
million to help the institute recruit more engineers and expand the development
of projects that leverage wireless technology to help consumers monitor their
health conditions. The Wests have donated a total of $90 million to the
institute. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Atlanta-Area Hospitals Eye New Partnership Agreements
The recession has spurred many hospitals in the Atlanta area
to consider new partnerships with other local hospitals. Such joint ventures
can help the hospitals streamline equipment purchasing and insurance
negotiations, but some advocates have expressed concerns about possible
negative effects on hospital competition and patient care. Atlanta
Journal-Constitution.
Lack of Dental Benefits Creating Challenges for California Residents
Many Californians no longer have access to dental coverage because of widespread job losses and last year’s elimination of adult Denti-Cal benefits. Health experts say going without dental care can lead to severe health problems. Sacramento Bee, Ventura County Star.
Sierra Health Foundation Awards $500K in Grants
The Sierra Health Foundation has awarded 21 grants totaling more than $500,000 to not-for-profit organizations aimed at promoting and improving health in 13 Northern California counties. The foundation plans to award another $500,000 in grants later this year. Sacramento Bee.
Judge Grants Injunction Barring UC Nurses From Rescheduling Strike
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Peter Busch ruled that a strike by University of California nurses would be an unfair labor practice and would violate technicalities in the nurses’ contracts. The injunction is slated to last until at least Sept. 30. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Editorial: Require Kids To Get Whooping Cough Vaccinations
A Sacramento Bee editorial argues that Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, could save $12 million or more annually if the Legislature approved a bill that would require students entering middle school to receive a whooping cough vaccine. The bill has stalled in the Senate Appropriations Committee because of “the general and unfortunate resistance to vaccines,” according to the Bee. The editorial concludes that the legislation would “save money and, most importantly, lives.” Sacramento Bee.
Senate Approves Stand-Alone ‘Doc Fix’, But Cuts Still Take Effect
Last week, the Senate approved a stand-alone measure that would postpone by six months a scheduled 21% cut to physicians’ Medicare reimbursements. However, the Senate’s approval came too late to avert payment cuts that took effect on Friday. CongressDaily et al.