Latest California Healthline Stories
Cost of House Overhaul Plans Estimated at Around $900 Billion
Preliminary estimates from the Congressional Budget Office project that health care reform proposals under consideration in the House would cost around $900 billion over 10 years. The proposals include some form of a government-run health plan, a feature that has drawn opposition from Republicans and some Democrats. The Hill et al.
New State Law Calls for Nursing Homes To Post CMS Five-Star Ratings
California nursing homes will need to publicly post their scores from CMS’ Five-Star Quality Rating System by Jan. 1, 2011, under a law Gov. Schwarzenegger signed earlier this week. Health care industry groups have been critical of CMS’ rating system. HealthLeaders Media.
Incoming CMA Chief Calls for Targeted Approach to Reform
Many proponents of health reform legislation have “focused on sensationalizing the aspects of our system that need improvement,” while ignoring the “success stories produced by the U.S. health care system,” argues Brennan Cassidy, a physician and the incoming president of the California Medical Association. He concludes, “Let’s address the shortcomings in health care, but let’s not do so by tearing apart a system which works so well for so many people.” Orange County Register.
Tulare, Fresno Counties Set To Partner on Health Benefits
On Tuesday, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to join together with Fresno County to provide health coverage to county employees. Administrators believe the partnership, which will cover about 10,000 employees, will lower premium costs by 5%, or about $828,000 annually. Visalia Times-Delta.
H1N1 Flu Hitting More Than Half of California Counties
At a press conference yesterday, state Public Health Officer Mark Horton announced that active outbreaks of the H1N1 flu virus are being reported in more than half of California counties. The H1N1 strain accounts for about 95% of the flu samples state labs are testing. Los Angeles Times.
Obama Takes Aim at Insurers’ Opposition to Health Reform Proposals
President Obama said that insurers are working to build opposition to health care reform proposals under consideration in Congress and warned that insurers likely are funding campaigns against the plans. Obama will join efforts to rally support for the plan next week. McClatchy/Sacramento Bee et al.
Obama, Baucus Aides Helped Craft Industry’s Push for Health Reform
Aides to President Obama and Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus met with representatives of health care industry groups earlier this year to help put together plans for a major advertising campaign. Parties to the talks insist there was no impropriety. Politico.
State Cannot Reverse Cuts to In-Home Care Program, Officials Say
Earlier this week, a federal judge issued a temporary order preventing California from sending notices about scheduled budget cuts to its In-Home Supportive Services program. Officials say they will be unable to comply with the order because of computer issues. Sacramento Bee.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of October 16, 2009
Kaiser has opted not to renew its contract for some procedures with Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles announced a $10 million donation from a founder of the Guess? clothing company.
Sacramento County Could Still See Cuts to Health Care
Although Sacramento County has reached tentative agreements with several unions that will allow the county to avoid a proposed work-hour reduction plan, the savings from the agreements might not be enough to prevent additional cuts, including to medical clinics. However, even if the county board approves the agreements, the Department of Human Assistance would still need to cut $1.1 million, including closing several health centers. Sacramento Bee.