Latest California Healthline Stories
Democrats Confident for Vote on Health Care Reform Legislation
Over the weekend, Democratic leaders asserted that they will be able to gather enough votes to pass national health care reform legislation within the next couple weeks. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she is hopeful that the House will hold a final vote on the Senate bill by this Sunday. Meanwhile, Republicans are continuing their efforts to block the legislation. Washington Post et al.
Recession Creates Challenges for Nurses Looking for Work
Nurses are having trouble finding jobs in California, in part because many experienced nurses who were expected to retire have remained in the work force in the wake of the recession. State officials expect the nursing shortage to return once the economy improves. Fresno Bee.
Medical Providers Strive To Adapt to Sacramento County Mental Care Cuts
Emergency departments and outpatient clinics in Sacramento County are starting to consider new ways of delivering care for an increased patient population after recent cuts to local mental health programs drove many psychiatric patients into county facilities. Sacramento Bee.
Calif. Supreme Court To Review Personal Injury Insurance Settlements
The high court has agreed to review a case that could determine how much injured residents can receive in treatment compensation from the parties responsible for an injury. Currently, such residents can recoup only the amount their insurers pay for care. San Francisco Chronicle.
CIRM Announces $50M for Stem Cell Therapy Research
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has announced plans to disperse $50 million for clinical trials and other projects related to stem cell therapy development. Applications for the funding are expected to be available in the spring. San Francisco Business Times.
Funding Cuts Hit Public Health in Ventura County
Efforts to address HIV/AIDS, help children with special medical needs and educate teen parents in Ventura County have been complicated by the loss of almost $1.5 million in state and federal funding over the past year. As a result, the county has eliminated about 15 staff positions. Ventura County Star.
Editorial: Reform Bill Moves To Cut U.S. Health Spending
While health reform legislation “could be improved with an even more vigorous approach to controlling costs,” it does contain numerous efforts to “put the health care system on the right path,” a Los Angeles Times editorial asserts. The editorial commends President Obama and lawmakers for including such cost-containing initiatives as health insurance exchanges, wellness incentives, demonstration projects and an independent panel that could issue spending recommendations. Los Angeles Times.
Va. Legislature Approves Bill Banning Insurance Mandate
On Wednesday, the Virginia General Assembly voted 80-17 to approve legislation that aims to bar the federal government from requiring Virginians to purchase health insurance. Although 34 other state legislatures have proposed similar measures, Virginia is the first state to pass such legislation. Gov. Robert McDonnell has said he intends to sign the bill. Washington Post, AP/USA Today.
Hill Physicians, Anthem Begin Medi-Cal Contract in San Joaquin County
Starting April 1, San Joaquin County Medi-Cal enrollees will be able to receive care from Hill Physicians Medical Group under Hill’s new contracting agreement with Anthem Blue Cross. The deal also will expand Hill’s provider network. San Francisco Business Times, Stockton Record.
Rising Costs Prompt Mass. To Examine Insurance Penalty
The Massachusetts Health Insurance Connector Authority board will be re-examining the formula it uses to determine health insurance affordability and who is subject to a penalty for not having health coverage. Some board members have said that insurance costs have risen much faster than income, putting health coverage out of reach for many people. Boston Globe.