Latest California Healthline Stories
Some County Health Agencies Struggle Despite H1N1 Money
Although health departments in San Bernardino County and Riverside County are receiving about $9 million in federal funds to combat H1N1 influenza, many still are cutting back on other health programs. The Riverside County Department of Public Health received $4.5 million to combat H1N1, but last month said it would cut spending by 5% to remain within 2010-2011 spending and revenue projections. The San Bernardino County Public Health Department received $3.1 million for H1N1 but recently consolidated clinics and services. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
President Set To Meet With Senate Democrats on Health Care Reform
The Senate Democratic caucus is heading to the White House this evening to discuss health care reform with President Obama. The president met with senators at the Capitol just weeks ago as the chamber was voting on whether to begin debate on the overhaul bill. Roll Call et al.
Editorial: Calif. Food Stamp Rules Hurt Health, Economy
Only Wyoming enrolls a smaller percentage of its eligible residents for food stamps than California, prompting the Los Angeles Times to conclude that California’s enrollment rules are impeding the program from boosting residents’ health, helping kids do better in school and increasing low-income households’ spending on food. Los Angeles Times.
Investigation: Overtime, Temps Add Major Costs to Prison Health Care
A recent Sacramento Bee investigation found that California paid about $60 million in overtime wages for prison health care workers between June 2007 and June 2008. The state also is paying large sums to employ temporary health workers in the prison system. Sacramento Bee.
L.A. Health Care Plan Leaders Mull Case for Public Option
The CEO and chief medical officer of L.A. Care Health Plan, Los Angeles County’s Medi-Cal managed care plan, assert that public plans operating locally rather than nationally would be more effective tools for health care reform. CEO Howard Kahn argues that large national payers such as Medicare and Medicaid have not done enough to control health care costs. Los Angeles Times, Payers & Providers.
Opinion: Congress Must Act To Extend Unemployment Help
If Congress does not reauthorize unemployment programs under the federal stimulus package, one million U.S. workers would lose unemployment benefits in January, which means “in many cases … no health care,” argues Arlene Holt Baker, executive vice president of AFL-CIO. She concludes, “Congress and the administration must act now to reauthorize unemployment insurance, COBRA benefits and food aid for the working families across the country struggling to keep their heads above water.” Sacramento Bee.
H1N1 Vaccine Supply Problems Offer Lessons for California Officials
Some critics contend that California’s H1N1 vaccine distribution plan left some health care providers without sufficient doses. Officials say the challenges of doling out limited vaccine supplies will help the state prepare for future outbreaks. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Contra Costa County Health Agency Addresses Finances
Employees of Contra Costa Health Services have begun advising low-incomes families on their finances as a means of addressing health disparities. A county report found that improving a family’s financial status can increase their access to care and provide opportunities to live in safer and healthier neighborhoods, among other benefits. Contra Costa Times.
CMS Analysis Says Senate Health Care Reform Bill Won’t Cut Costs
Total health care costs would see a bigger increase under the Senate’s health care overhaul proposal than under current law, according to a CMS analysis that also projects the plan would expand coverage to an additional 33 million Americans. The report has fueled political debate over the bill that Senate leaders hope to bring up for a vote in the next week. CongressDaily et al.
State To Award $6M for Job Training Projects in Nursing, Biotechnology
California’s Employment Training Panel will provide funding for nurse training programs at 14 not-for-profit hospitals, the first grants approved under the panel’s new nurse training initiative. The panel also announced grants for employment training initiatives at biotechnology firms. Sacramento Business Journal.