Latest California Healthline Stories
People With Chronic Illnesses Using Internet To Socialize
Even though people who have chronic conditions are less likely than others to have Internet access, once they are online, they are among the most likely to blog, participate in patient networking sites and seek health information online, according to a report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project and the California HealthCare Foundation. CHCF is the publisher of California Healthline. New York Times, CHCF release.
Poizner Says Federal Health Reform To Add to Calif. Fiscal Troubles
State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner criticized the recently passed health care reform law for placing additional financial burdens on the state. Poizner is running against former eBay CEO Meg Whitman for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Los Angeles Daily News.
Poll: Most Californians Oppose Health Care Cuts To Balance State Budget
According to a new Field Poll, more than two-thirds of Californians oppose cutting state health care and public assistance programs to help balance the state budget. The only areas in which most residents support spending cuts are state prisons and parks. Sacramento Bee et al.
Assembly Health Panel OKs Bill Requiring State Approval of Rate Hikes
The Assembly Health Committee voted 11-3 to approve a bill requiring health insurers to receive approval from state agencies for any premium increases exceeding 7% a year. A similar bill was passed by the Assembly in 2007 but failed by one vote in the Senate. Los Angeles Times.
Calif. GOP Urges State AG Brown To Join Suit Against Reform Bill
Republican state senators called on California Attorney General Jerry Brown to join 13 other states in suing the federal government over health care reform legislation. The lawmakers argue that requiring people to buy health insurance is unconstitutional. Brown said his office will review the claims. AP/Ventura County Star, Capitol Public Radio.
Pelosi Helped Democrats Score Victory on Health Care
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was able to secure a majority of votes in the House for health reform by using her knowledge of House Democrats and how to motivate them. However, Pelosi’s work on health reform seems to have ramped up partisan tensions in Congress. Los Angeles Times.
Medication Management Therapy Available to Medicare Beneficiaries
Under new rules that took effect in January, about 25% of the nearly 28 million seniors and people with disabilities who receive Medicare drug coverage from insurance companies will be eligible for medication management therapy. Kaiser Health News/USA Today.
Many Californians Seek Cheaper Care in Mexico
About one million Californians go to Mexico for health services, where care can be half as expensive as it is in the U.S. Even though President Obama signed into law new health reform legislation, many Mexican-Americans likely will continue to cross the border to receive treatment. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Senate Begins Debate on ‘Corrections’ Bill; GOP Offers Amendments
Yesterday, the Senate voted 56-40 to start debate on the budget reconciliation bill that includes a series of changes to the health care reform bill signed into law earlier in the day by President Obama. Senate Republicans introduced a number of amendments to the legislation. The Hill et al.
Some Health Reform Provisions To Have Immediate Effect
Young adults in California and residents with pre-existing medical conditions likely will see immediate benefits from the national health care reform legislation signed into law yesterday. However, most health care reform provisions will not take effect until 2014. Orange County Register et al.