Latest California Healthline Stories
Group Campaigns for Medical School in San Joaquin Valley
Last week, the Valley Coalition held a session aimed at expanding public support for its proposal to develop a new UC medical school in the San Joaquin Valley. Supporters of the plan say it would help boost the supply of doctors in the area. Stockton Record.
New Calif. Initiative Uses Telemedicine To Provide Dental Care to Children
The Verizon Foundation is funding the first year of a four-year pilot project aimed at boosting access to dental care for California kids in underserved communities. Dentists will examine patients remotely with the help of dental hygienists and assistants on site. Sacramento Business Journal.
Calif. Hospitals Worried About Influx of Released Prisoners
Because of inadequate medical and mental health care in the California prison system, a federal court has ordered the state to develop a plan for reducing the prison population. Hospitals worry that early-release plans for sick and elderly inmates could result in a surge of former prisoners needing health care. HealthLeaders Media.
New White House Report Highlights Gap in Wage, Premium Increases
The White House released a report by the National Economic Council today indicating that health insurance premium hikes have outpaced wage increases in all 50 states. Vice President Biden will highlight the data at an appearance before the National Association of Insurance Commissioners today. Reuters.
California, Maryland Reach Deal on Stem Cell Research
The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine and the Maryland Technology Development Corp. have signed an agreement aimed at making it easier for researchers in the two states to team up on research projects and qualify for joint funding. San Francisco Business Times, Baltimore Sun.
Burn Center’s Expansion Stirs Concerns From Other Centers
For-profit Grossman Burn Centers, which is based in the Los Angeles area, has opened a new burn center in Bakersfield and is on track to open a new center at a Louisiana hospital next month. Other burn centers have voiced concerns because Grossman is not verified by the American Burn Association or the American College of Surgeons. HealthLeaders Media.
Health Care Legislation, Other Bills Await Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Pen
Gov. Schwarzenegger is set to consider bills to curb health plan rescissions, extend coverage for maternity services, reduce gender rating practices and strengthen physician review mechanisms. Observers are unsure whether he will sign the measures. Sacramento Bee, HealthLeaders Media.
Groups Want Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants
Religious leaders in Los Angeles County are calling for Congress to address health insurance coverage for undocumented immigrants as legislators debate health care reform. Some religious leaders argue that providing health care to the poor is a matter for private charities, not the government. Los Angeles Times.
Cuts to Home Care Will Affect 130,000 Beginning Nov. 1
On Friday, the Department of Social Services announced that it would reduce or eliminate about 130,000 Californians’ eligibility for In-Home Supportive Services beginning Nov. 1. The cuts were included in a July budget revision that aims to reduce state spending on the program by $82.1 million. Sacramento Bee.
Senators Submit More Than 500 Amendments to Health Reform Bill
The Senate Finance Committee will have more than 500 amendments to work through when it begins its mark up of a health care reform bill tomorrow. Meanwhile, six moderate Democratic senators are urging the committee to focus on health care costs in mark ups. Politico et al.