Latest California Healthline Stories
City, Restaurant Group Officials Debate Healthy S.F.
Kevin Westlye of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and Tangerine Brigham of San Francisco’s Health Access program are scheduled to discuss GGRA’s lawsuit challenging a provision of the Healthy San Francisco program that requires employers to contribute to workers’ health care costs. The U.S. Supreme Court is considering hearing the case. KQED’s “Forum.”
Finance Committee Chair Expects Budget Report on Reform Bill Today
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus expects the Congressional Budget Office to complete its report today on the financial effects of the panel’s health care reform legislation. Baucus said he doesn’t expect to have to make changes to the bill because of cost concerns. CQ Today et al.
Federal Officials Investigating World’s Largest Hospital Firm
The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating HCA, focusing its probe on the company’s London office and allegations that the company falsified payments for nursing shifts that never occurred. It is unclear whether the investigation will lead to formal action. Washington Post.
L.A. County Program on Medi-Cal Eligibility Criticized
A Los Angeles County program that has received $28 million in state and federal funds to check documents to ensure that undocumented immigrants are not illegally receiving Medi-Cal benefits has not found one person in violation since tougher federal verification rules began in July 2008. In addition, fewer than 1% of Medi-Cal applicants lacked the proper documents, but most eventually produced them. Critics of programs similar to Los Angeles County’s say they are costly, ineffective and could cause U.S. citizens to be denied care if they lack the required documents. Los Angeles Times.
Healthy Families, Other Programs Sidestep Budget Axe After All
Healthy Families was slated to see major funding cuts under California’s July budget package, but a last-minute legislative deal and contributions from another state agency let hundreds of thousands of kids maintain coverage in the program. Wall Street Journal.
Sonoma County Set To Shift Management of Healthy Kids
Later this month, Redwood Community Health Coalition is expected to win approval to take over management of Healthy Kids Sonoma County, which provides health care coverage to children who are not eligible for other publicly funded health care programs. In addition, Sonoma and Napa counties are expected to adopt One-e-App, an online application system for health care and other government services. North Bay Business Journal.
Vote on Health Reform Bill Delayed While Cost Estimates Are Prepared
The Senate Finance Committee has pushed back its vote on health care reform legislation until the Congressional Budget Office completes an analysis of the bill’s costs. The bill is expected to pass the committee largely along party lines. Reuters, Washington Post.
Opinion: Individual Mandate for Health Care Constitutional
Although “the desirability” of mandating all U.S. residents to obtain health coverage “can be debated, it unquestionably would be constitutional,” despite some critics alleging it would counter the Constitution, argues Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC-Irvine School of Law. Los Angeles Times.
Stanislaus Co. To Get Fourth Medicare Advantage Plan
Southern California-based CareMore Health Plan will become the fourth Medicare Advantage plan available in Stanislaus County, beginning in 2010. The other plans in the county are Kaiser Senior Advantage, AARP MedicareComplete SecureHorizons and HealthNet Healthy Heart. CareMore will have lower premiums than the other three and will offer a care center for routine care in Modesto. Modesto Bee.
Health Care, Other Bills on Schwarzenegger’s Desk Appear in Limbo
Gov. Schwarzenegger reportedly has suggested that lawmakers withdraw bills on his desk until they finalize legislation dealing with the state’s water problems. A number of health care measures are before the governor. Capitol Weekly, San Jose Mercury News.