Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Reform Would Expand Long-Term Care Coverage
The reform bill that the House approved Sunday would institute a number of changes to long-term care, such as improving consumer information on staffing levels, sanctions against facilities and inspection reports. The bill also would help improve staff training and expand insurance coverage for long-term care options other than nursing homes. United Press International.
Obama Signs Senate Health Care Reform Legislation Into Law
This morning, President Obama signed the Senate health care reform bill into law. Meanwhile, the Senate today is expected to begin debate on the so-called “corrections” bill, which would amend the reform legislation. Later this week, Obama will stop in Iowa to continue his public relations campaign to sell the benefits of the overhaul to consumers. Washington Post et al.
Influx of Newly Insured Patients Could Strain Calif. Health Care System
The national health care reform package is expected to significantly increase the number of insured patients in California, potentially putting a strain on primary care providers. The state already faces a primary care physician shortage. Sacramento Bee.
San Francisco Officials Still See Need for Healthy San Francisco Program
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said the city’s universal health care program will be needed to fill coverage gaps left by national health reform legislation. However, city officials say participation in Healthy San Francisco could drop by nearly 50% once national reform is implemented. San Francisco Chronicle.
California Nurses Endorse Dem Jerry Brown for Governor
The California Nurses Association has endorsed Attorney General Jerry Brown for governor, highlighting his history of union support. Speaking to the group, Brown criticized GOP candidate Meg Whitman for being an advocate of business. Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle.
House Approves Senate Health Reform, ‘Corrections’ Bills
Last night, the House voted 219-212 to approve the Senate health reform bill, which now goes to President Obama to be signed into law. Thirty-four Democrats and all Republicans voted against the legislation. The House also approved the so-called “corrections” legislation, which makes a series of changes to the Senate bill. New York Times et al.
U.S. Employers Health Care Costs Increased by 7.3% in 2009
A new Thomson Reuters report finds that U.S. employers’ health care costs increased by an average of 7.3% in 2009 — more than inflation and the growth rate of overall health care spending. The report is based on National Health Expenditures data from CMS’ Office of the Actuary. Reuters.
Report: Decertified Nurse Assistants Rehired as Caregivers
A new report
finds that failure to enact a 2006 law requiring the establishment of a disciplinary
action database has led to at least 20 cases in which the Department of Social
Services has hired decertified nurse assistants as caregivers. AP/Monterey County Herald, Sacramento
Business Journal.
Tuberculosis Rates Decline to Record Low Across California
State health officials say the prevalence of tuberculosis in California dropped from seven cases per 100,000 residents in 2008 to 6.4 per 100,000 residents last year, which is the lowest rate on record. The state recorded 2,473 active TB cases last year, down from 2,695 active cases in 2008. Fresno Bee.
California Stands To Gain From Health Care Reform Provisions
Measures included in the Senate health reform bill approved by the House yesterday would reduce California’s uninsured population and help state Medicare beneficiaries pay for prescription drug coverage. State groups and lawmakers have mixed reactions to the legislation. San Francisco Chronicle et al.