Latest California Healthline Stories
State To Shut Down Pomona Center for Disabled Residents
The state plans to close within two years the Lanterman Developmental Center in Pomona, which houses residents with severe developmental disabilities, according to Terri Delgadillo, director of the state Department of Developmental Services. Officials say that residents of the center will be able to receive proper care at community facilities, but families and patient advocates are concerned that care quality could be jeopardized. Los Angeles Times.
Peninsula Health Care District To Dole Out $2M in Grants
Last week, the Peninsula Health Care District announced that it will award 10 grants worth a total of $2 million to San Mateo County community groups that help residents receive medical care, find shelter and combat domestic abuse. The district received funding requests from 20 organizations this year. San Jose Mercury News.
Deadlines Looming for Action on California’s Current Budget Deficit
California lawmakers are fast approaching a deadline for taking action on the $8.9 billion deficit remaining in the current fiscal year. Meanwhile, many low-income and disabled Californians are bracing for further cuts in public assistance. San Jose Mercury News, Sacramento Bee.
Democrats Still See Chance of Enacting Health Care Reform
Democratic leaders in the House and Senate say they are considering the budget reconciliation process and other strategies to pass national health care reform legislation, despite the loss of their filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are calling for Congress to start over on health care reform and pursue different approaches. CQ Today et al.
Merced County Seeing Uptick in Demand for Mental Health Services
Merced County has been particularly hard hit by the economic recession and a regional housing crisis. As a result, more county residents are seeking mental health care services at the same time that state lawmakers are imposing deep cuts to such programs. Merced Sun-Star.
Report: State Prison Dental Clinics Crowded, Unsanitary
Most state prison dental clinics are overcrowded and unsanitary, court-appointed experts said in a November 2009 review obtained by the Sacramento Bee. The report comes more than three years after court-ordered improvements to state prison dental clinics. The review found that only eight of 33 prisons provide adequate dental care. Sacramento Bee.
States Would Get More Medicaid Funds Under President’s Budget Plan
Today, President Obama released his latest budget proposal, which is estimated to cost about $3.8 trillion. The budget would provide more funds to state Medicaid programs by extending a program from the 2009 federal economic stimulus package. New York Times et al.
Democratic Leaders in Congress Stress Commitment to Reform
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other Democratic congressional leaders pledged to continue work on health care reform, but acknowledged that the issue will take a back seat to job creation on the congressional agenda. Politico et al.
Adult Day Health Care Programs Taking Stand Against Proposed Cuts
This week, adult day health care leaders testified before a state Senate hearing about the potentially adverse effects of proposed program cuts. Gov. Schwarzenegger’s budget plan would eliminate Medi-Cal reimbursements for the programs by March 1. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of January 29, 2010
Children’s Hospital Oakland reached a deal to remain in UnitedHealthcare’s Bay area provider network. Meanwhile, state regulators are investigating a wrong-site surgery that took place earlier this month at Children’s Hospital Orange County.