Latest California Healthline Stories
Republicans See Summit as Opportunity To Tout Market-Based Reforms
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader John Boehner said Republicans won’t put forward a single health care overhaul plan at tomorrow’s summit. Instead, Republican lawmakers will use the meeting to highlight their own market-oriented reform proposals. New York Times et al.
Research Estimates Toll of Hospital-Acquired Infections
A new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that hospital-acquired sepsis and pneumonia caused 48,000 deaths and cost $8.1 billion in 2006, demonstrating the burden hospital-acquired infections place on the health care system and highlighting the need for stronger infection-control policies. Reuters.
Report: State Tracking System Failed To Count up to 70,000 HIV Cases
A new Legislative Analyst’s Office report suggests that California’s public health surveillance system missed tens of thousands of HIV cases. States receive federal HIV/AIDS support based on their reported population of HIV-positive residents. San Francisco Chronicle.
California Medical Association Wants Discount Plans Banned
The California Medical Association is lobbying against proposed regulations from the Department of Managed Health Care targeting discount health plans. CMA is arguing that discount health plans should be banned, but a DMHC spokesperson pointed to a 2006 administrative law judge’s decision asserting that the agency should regulate the plans. HealthLeaders Media.
Schwarzenegger Set To Host Summit To Combat Obesity
Today, Gov. Schwarzenegger will team up with President Clinton at a meeting to discuss public policies and business practices to address rising obesity rates. Schwarzenegger will ask public health and business leaders to join the effort. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Columnist Sizes Up Firms’ Battle Over Medi-Cal Contract
Electronic Data Systems and Affiliated Computer Systems are waging a public relations and lobbying battle over a contract to process claims for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid system, according to Dan Walters. In December, the state awarded the contract to ACS, but EDS immediately filed an appeal. Sacramento Bee.
Many States Fall Short in Ensuring Access to Kids’ Dental Care, Study Finds
A new study from the Pew Center on the States finds that at least 20% of U.S. children go without dental care each year. Researchers also noted that most states do not have policies in place to ensure that children have access to preventive oral health care. USA Today.
University Wants To Launch Radiation Therapy Program
National University is seeking state approval to launch a bachelor’s degree program in radiation therapy for students at its campuses in Costa Mesa, Sacramento and San Diego. Currently, California State University-Long Beach offers the only such program in California. Sacramento Business Journal.
Partial Budget Package Heads to Governor; Cuts to Health Care Delayed
Yesterday, the Legislature approved a $2.3 billion budget package that includes cuts to prison health care and other provisions. Lawmakers postponed action on Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposed cuts to health care and social services. Sacramento Bee et al.
Poizner Accuses Anthem of More Than 700 Violations of State Law
Yesterday, California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced plans to file allegations against Anthem Blue Cross of California for 732 breaches of state law uncovered in a year-long investigation. Meanwhile, an analysis of regulatory filings indicates that Anthem transferred $525 million in earnings to its parent company last year. San Francisco Chronicle et al.