Latest California Healthline Stories
New Research Shows Obesity Rate in U.S. Leveling Off
Studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association this week indicate that the percentage of Americans who are obese did not increase dramatically from 1999 to 2008. The studies indicate that 68% of Americans are overweight or obese. San Jose Mercury News, Los Angeles Times.
Governor Reiterates Appeal for $6.9B Increase in Federal Funds
Gov. Schwarzenegger continued his appeal for more federal funding in a letter he sent yesterday to California’s congressional delegation, specifically calling out Sen. Dianne Feinstein and other critics. In addition, the governor wrote that he “would like to support” health care reform legislation, provided that the federal government picks up more of the cost for California. Sacramento Bee et al.
Recent Nursing School Graduates See Scarcity of Jobs in California
Nurse hiring has declined across California during the past two years, according to projections from the California Institute for Nursing & Health Care. Experts say the recession has spurred many older nurses to remain in their positions instead of retiring. Payers & Providers.
Computer System Aids H1N1 Response in Riverside County
Since April of last year, the Riverside County Community Health Agency has used a computer system to disseminate information about H1N1 flu with the county’s 15 hospitals. An agency official said the system could be expanded to include nursing homes, private clinics and neighboring county health departments. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Blue Shield of California Providing Members With Online Rating Tool
Blue Shield of California is offering a new tool that lets members review and comment on the insurer’s health plans. Blue Shield says the system is modeled after the public review and rating site Yelp.com. San Francisco Business Times.
Anthem Goes Wireless for Congestive Heart Failure Tool
Last week, Anthem Blue Cross of California launched a pilot program aimed at using a wireless sensor in a bathroom-style scale as part of an effort to improve care for and control the costs of treating congestive heart failure patients. If the pilot is effective, the insurer will expand it to all members with CHF in the state. Payers & Providers.
Democratic Leaders Head to White House for Health Reform Meeting
President Obama sat down with Democratic congressional leaders for about eight hours yesterday in hopes of moving along negotiations on health care reform legislation. The White House wants Congress to approve final legislation before the State of the Union address. New York Times et al.
LAO: Governor Should Not Rely on Federal Aid To Patch Deficit
Yesterday, Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor predicted that California will receive less than half of the $6.9 billion in increased funding that Gov. Schwarzenegger is requesting from the federal government. Although Taylor praised the governor for developing a backup plan, he also cautioned against “trigger” cuts that would gut the state’s safety-net health care programs. Sacramento Bee et al.
Plan To Cut Prison Population To Boost Health Care Gets OK
On Tuesday, a three-judge panel approved a plan to reduce California’s prison population by 40,000 within two years as part of an effort to boost the quality of health care and mental health services for prisoners. The court suspended its order while Gov. Schwarzenegger’s administration waits to hear whether the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a challenge on the judges’ authority to make such decisions. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Community Health Centers Targeted for New Loan Effort
On Tuesday, MetLife and NCB Capital announced that they are providing $5 million in “social investment loans” to help community health centers throughout California maintain services in the face of state budget pressures. The loans are being facilitated by the state Department of Insurance’s California Organized Investment Network. San Francisco Business Times.