Latest California Healthline Stories
Order Temporarily Halts State Ban Against Hiring Ex-Felons for IHSS Care
New state regulations prohibit California’s in-home care program from employing individuals with prior felony convictions. A recent court order bars officials from enforcing the restrictions while the judge considers a possible injunction. San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee.
Congress Pushes Shift in Health Care Reimbursements
Provisions of health care reform legislation before Congress aim to change the health care finance system by offering incentives for accountable care organizations, which rely on a global payment system rather than fee-for-service reimbursements. A San Bernardino County practice has been using such a model since the 1990s. KQED’s “California Report.”
Fewer Than Half of Calif. Adolescents Meeting All Six State Fitness Goals
On Monday, the California Department of Education released a report finding that fifth-, seventh- and ninth-grade students in California are continuing to fall short of state fitness goals. However, all grade levels achieved modest improvements compared with last year. Torrance Daily Breeze et al.
Report: Senate Reform Bill Won’t Increase Costs for Most People
The Congressional Budget Office released a report yesterday concluding that most U.S. residents would not see health insurance premiums increase under the Senate’s proposed health care overhaul, in part because of federal subsidies. The report says that overall premiums would be higher because insurers would be required to cover more people and offer more benefits. Washington Post et al.
Latino Voters Cite Health Care Reform as Main Priority
A new poll of registered Latino voters found that 32% believe health care is the most important issue to them, beating out the economy, immigration and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The poll was conducted Nov. 1-14 by Impremedia, Latino Decisions and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico. New America Media.
Debate on Health Care Reform Legislation Off to a Heated Start in Senate
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered opening statements yesterday to kick off the debate of health care reform legislation. Later today, the Senate will vote on the first two amendments offered to the bill. Politico et al.
Former Oregon Governor: Reform Needs To Tackle Costs
Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, who is again running for governor, said that the current health care debate in Congress should be more focused on addressing rising health care costs than on access to services. Kitzhaber is a former emergency department doctor and was a key proponent of the Oregon Health Plan, which overhauled the state’s public health care programs. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Application Process Hurts Food Stamp Effort, Editorial Says
California requires food stamp recipients to verify eligibility more frequently than other states, hindering access to food assistance for many Californians, an editorial states. A recent federal report found that only 33% of eligible Californians receive food stamps. Sacramento Bee.
Analysis Sees Major Hike in COBRA Costs After Stimulus Help Expires
Subsidies for COBRA coverage that were included in the federal economic stimulus package expired yesterday, setting the stage for major increases to workers’ COBRA premiums. The federal subsidies covered 65% of COBRA premiums. Los Angeles Times et al.
Health Care Overhaul Could Boost School-Based Clinics
Although health care reform legislation in the Senate and House take different approaches to school clinics, both proposals would provide millions of dollars to build and equip the clinics. Advocates say reform legislation would provide the single-largest expansion of school clinics in 35 years. KHI News Service.