Latest California Healthline Stories
Funding for Trauma Center Preserved in S.F. Budget
On Wednesday, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s administration agreed to drop a proposal to cut funding for the Trauma Recover Center to keep the budget balanced in the current fiscal year. However, funding for the center could be re-evaluated in upcoming budget negotiations. San Francisco Chronicle.
Schwarzenegger Pushes for More Federal Funds During Meetings in D.C.
Yesterday, Gov. Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers met with Sen. Boxer, Sen. Feinstein and HHS Secretary Sebelius to petition for more federal funds for health care and other programs. The group is scheduled to meet with House Speaker Pelosi today. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
USC Dental School Nabs $35M Donation From Alumnus
On Wednesday, the University of Southern California School of Dentistry announced that alumnus Herman Ostrow had donated $35 million to the school. The dean of the dental school said the gift would fund a variety of endeavors, including programs that provide services to Los Angeles residents. AP/Washington Post.
Counties Eye Stimulus Grants To Combat Chronic Conditions
Public health departments in Riverside and San Bernardino counties are seeking funds from a federal grant program designed to help communities tackle obesity and chronic conditions. The grant program was a part of last year’s economic stimulus package. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
California Officials Ponder Next Steps in Push for Health Reform
Following Republican Scott Brown’s election to the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts, Gov. Schwarzenegger urged members of Congress to slow down the debate on health care reform, while Blue Dog Democrats from the San Joaquin Valley encouraged their colleagues to adopt a “far more modest” health care overhaul than the legislation currently under consideration. Wall Street Journal‘s “Washington Wire” et al.
Report Says CMS Falling Short on Policing MA Plan Marketing Problems
A new report from the federal Government Accountability Office indicates that CMS lacks a mechanism for determining the full scope of inappropriate marketing practices by private insurers that participate in Medicare programs. CMS has agreed to collect more data on marketing abuses. CQ HealthBeat.
First Lady Stumps for Action Against Childhood Obesity
At a meeting of the National Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., yesterday, first lady Michelle Obama asked a group of 250 mayors to help combat child obesity, which she said is an epidemic and an economic threat. Obama cited recent statistics that one in three U.S. children is obese or overweight, including half of black and Hispanic children, and likely to develop diabetes. Politico.
New Limits on HMO Wait Times Could Alter Health Care Delivery Statewide
California officials say the new HMO rules could spur health care providers statewide to offer more timely access to medical care. Meanwhile, critics say the restrictions could cause further strain in regions already suffering from a physician shortage. Sacramento Bee et al.
Private Prisons Must Provide Health Care to Inmates’ Kids
A Jan. 11 ruling by the 4th District Court of Appeal directs private prisons for women with infant children to provide health care services to the inmates’ kids. Six such facilities in California house about 150 kids younger than age six. Los Angeles Times.
UC Regents Expected To OK Bonuses for Medical Center Senior Managers
Tomorrow, the UC Board of Regents is expected to approve incentive payments for medical center executives who met certain performance goals. Critics say the bonuses are inappropriate at a time when other UC health workers are facing layoffs and pay cuts. San Francisco Chronicle.