Latest California Healthline Stories
Jury Says Anthem Should Have Covered Transplant
On Monday, a Los Angeles jury concluded that Anthem Blue Cross of California should have covered a member’s liver transplant after he went to Indiana for the transplant to avoid California’s longer transplant wait times. An official for the insurer said Anthem has not decided if it would appeal the ruling. Los Angeles Times, KPCC.
Groundwork Being Laid for House Action on Reform Later This Week
The House Budget Committee has approved a shell measure that lays the foundation for House Democrats to approve changes to the Senate’s health care reform bill. The House Rules Committee could add the actual bill language later in the week. New York Times‘ “Prescriptions” et al.
Sutter Health To Restart Electronic Health Record Implementation Project
The California hospital system is investing $400 million to reignite an earlier project to implement electronic health records at all of its 26 facilities. Sutter Health officials identified five facilities that are slated for EHR installation next year. Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Business Times.
Diabetes Rates Climbing for Hispanics in Ventura County
During the past four years, Ventura County has seen diabetes rates more than double among its Hispanic population. The Ventura County Public Health Department and researchers are examining possible biological, cultural and environmental factors that could be contributing to the increase. Ventura County Star.
President Presses for Passage of Health Care Reform at Ohio Rally
Yesterday, President Obama appeared in Strongsville, Ohio, to make his case for passing health care reform. The president rebutted assertions that Democrats’ reform proposal would cut Medicare benefits and highlighted the case of an Ohio woman with cancer. Washington Post et al.
Study: Nearly 25% of California Residents Lack Health Coverage
A new study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research finds that more than eight million Californians lacked health insurance coverage for all or part of 2009, up from 6.4 million in 2007. Researchers attributed the dramatic increase to the recession and the state’s higher unemployment rate, which climbed from 5.7% in 2007 to 12.3% by the end of 2009. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Providers Team Up With Lawyers at Clinics
A growing number of health care clinics in low-income areas are enlisting the help of attorneys to help patients deal with housing, medical coverage and other issues that can affect their health. Ten programs in California serve 23 hospitals and health centers. Los Angeles Times.
Obama Continuing To Stump for Health Care Reform at Ohio Event
Today, President Obama is scheduled to appear at an event in Strongsville, Ohio, as part of his continued efforts to generate public support for a national health care overhaul. The president also is calling for lawmakers to eliminate state-specific projects from a final reform bill. AP/Google et al.
California Reps. Costa, Cardoza Undecided on National Health Reform
Reps. Dennis Cardoza and Jim Costa are among a group of Democratic lawmakers who could play a key role in deciding the fate of national health care reform legislation. Both representatives have been the targets of White House and conservative lobbying efforts. Sacramento Bee.
WellPoint Exec: Medical Costs Driving Increase in Premiums
Brian Sassi — president of the consumer business unit of WellPoint, Anthem Blue Cross’ parent company — argues that rising medical costs, rather than insurers’ profit, are driving up health insurance premiums and that lawmakers should tackle medical costs to effectively overhaul the U.S. health care system. Sacramento Bee.