Latest California Healthline Stories
Democrats in Congress Aim To Bypass Formal Conference Committee
Worried about procedural delays from Senate Republicans, Democratic congressional leaders are laying the groundwork for a “ping-pong” approach to iron out the differences between the Senate and House health care reform bills. GOP lawmakers are critical of the plan. Los Angeles Times et al.
Medicare Coverage of HIV Testing Could Boost Detection
CMS’ decision last month to start covering HIV screenings for Medicare beneficiaries could address concerns by health experts that HIV/AIDS often goes undiagnosed in older U.S. residents. Many elderly people are never diagnosed with HIV because of stigmas associated with the disease and patients’ belief that some symptoms are related to old age. Hartford Courant.
Questions Swirl Around Roles for IRS Under Reform Bills
The Internal Revenue Service would be required to verify that Americans had health insurance, distribute subsidies to small businesses and collect fees from an array of firms under the Senate and House health care reform bills. However, some people are questioning whether the agency is up for the task. Kaiser Health News/USA Today.
Fellowship Sends Public Health Ph.D. to Legislature
A former public health medical officer at the California Department of Public Health will head to work with Assembly member Sandré Swanson as part of the California Council on Science and Technology fellowship. The program pays 10 academics a stipend while they work with legislators. Contra Costa Times.
L.A. County Medical Association Opposing Senate Health Care Bill
The Los Angeles County Medical Association recently said it does not support the Senate health care reform plan because it believes the bill would not sufficiently improve quality health care. The American Medical Association has endorsed the measure. Torrance Daily Breeze.
Assisted Living Firm Pursues Growth Strategy in California
Carlton Senior Living is planning to expand in the Sacramento area and open facilities in Elk Grove and Davis. The firm currently operates assisted living centers in Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose and San Leandro. Sacramento Business Journal.
Employers Prepare To Carry Out Extension of COBRA Health Benefits
Last month’s defense spending bill extended federal subsidies for COBRA benefits and required employers to notify laid-off workers about the extension. California lawmakers also might extend a state program that subsidizes COBRA for small businesses. Sacramento Business Journal.
Federal Officials Release Proposed Rules on Use of Electronic Records
Last week, federal officials announced proposed regulations that set standards on using electronic health records for providers to meet to qualify for bonus payments from Medicare and Medicaid. The 2009 federal economic stimulus package created the incentive payments. Reuters et al.
End-of-Life Care Rules Spark Debate for Catholic Hospitals
On Nov. 17, 2009, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a directive instructing Catholic hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and nurses to provide life-sustaining food, water and medicine to comatose patients who likely will not emerge from their comas. The rule has stirred debate about what the rule means for patients’ end-of-life care wishes. San Francisco Chronicle.
Health Care Reform Bill Clears Senate; Merger With House Bill Looms
In a rare Christmas Eve vote, the Senate Democratic caucus approved the chamber’s health care reform legislation. Efforts to merge the bill with the House’s overhaul legislation are expected to begin later this month when lawmakers return from the holiday recess. Wall Street Journal et al.