Latest California Healthline Stories
CMS Report Says Senate Health Care Overhaul Would Cover 34 Million
A report by CMS’ chief actuary projects that the Senate health care reform bill would expand coverage to 34 million Americans, one million more than would have been covered under Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s November 2009 proposal. Washington Post‘s “44” et al.
President Uses Weekly Address To Rally Support for Health Care Reform
President Obama stumped for health care reform legislation in his weekly address, saying that reform legislation would provide new protections to consumers almost immediately and would help the economy recover. Democrats hope to approve a reform bill by the end of the month. The Hill et al.
Governor’s Budget Places Health Programs on the Chopping Block
On Friday, Gov. Schwarzenegger released a budget plan that would impose deep cuts to Healthy Families, Medi-Cal and other programs. The proposal relies on a demand for $6.9 billion in federal funds. If California fails to secure the federal aid, the governor’s budget would offset the loss by eliminating Healthy Families and enacting additional program cuts. Sacramento Bee et al.
Editorial Urges Close Look at Funding To Expand Medicaid
As members of Congress work to reconcile Senate and House health care reform bills, “they should look for ways to lessen the Medicaid burden” on state budgets “and ensure that relief is fairly apportioned,” an editorial states, adding that “surely Congress could find at least a little more money to ease the problems of California and other states that have already expanded their Medicaid rolls and now face crushing budget deficits.” New York Times.
California Stem Cell Agency Shifts Targets for Grants
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has shifted the focus of its grants from projects aimed at developing a framework for stem cell research to research projects that are further along in the development process but are unlikely to receive federal funding because of their commercial nature. CIRM was formed after California voters approved Proposition 71 to fund stem cell research in 2004. Los Angeles Times.
Democrats Tout Consumer Protections in Reform Bills
Democrats and other supporters of health care reform legislation before Congress are highlighting consumer protections in the bills that would take effect almost immediately. Meanwhile, provisions of health care reform legislation that would require individuals to buy health insurance coverage are meeting resistance from groups of various political leanings. Sacramento Bee.
Medi-Cal Enrollees in San Joaquin Valley Feel Impact of Dental Cuts
During the summer, California lawmakers passed a budget revision package that eliminated adult dental care coverage and other optional Medi-Cal benefits. In San Joaquin Valley, the change has slashed the number of low-income residents seeking Medi-Cal dental services. Fresno Bee.
Schwarzenegger’s Criticism of Reform Bill Sparking Fierce Debate
The Republican National Committee trumpeted Gov. Schwarzenegger’s criticism of the health care reform bill, while California Democrats and health care advocates responded sharply. A spokesperson for the governor said his position has been entirely consistent. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Nelson Pushes for Medicaid Expansion Funding for States
Yesterday, Sen. Ben Nelson said that he has asked the Senate Democratic leadership to extend to all 50 states a Medicaid expansion provision in the chamber’s health care reform bill that currently would benefit only Nebraska. Gov. Schwarzenegger has spoken out against the provision benefitting Nebraska. Roll Call.
New Air Pollution Standards Play Up Public Health Benefits
Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed stricter air quality standards that aim to reduce smog-forming pollutants in an attempt to better protect public health. Under the proposed rules, large parts of California and other states would be in violation of air quality standards. Los Angeles Times.