Latest California Healthline Stories
Obama Throws Down Gauntlet on Health Care Reform Efforts
President Obama outlined specific provisions he wants members of Congress to include in health care reform legislation. Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Obama used his strongest language yet against misinformation about health care reform proposals and encouraged lawmakers to work together to craft a bipartisan deal. Los Angeles Times et al.
Republicans Largely Unmoved by President’s Speech on Health Reform
In the official Republican response to President Obama’s speech, Rep. Charles Boustany said his party had hoped Obama would call for health care negotiations to start over. Other Republicans said the speech reinforced congressional Democrats’ proposals without pushing a middle ground. Washington Times et al.
Open Enrollment Begins Today for State Employees
The five-week open enrollment period during which California state employees can enroll in health care coverage or change their plans begins Sept. 10 and ends Oct. 16. Although the majority of the state’s 240,000 workers typically do not switch plans, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System has made available a guide to help employees who do wish to change their coverage. Capitol Weekly.
Calif. Community Clinics Report 50% Increase in New Uninsured Patients
Officials say the recession is leading more Californians to turn to community health clinics for low-cost or no-cost medical care. However, state budget cuts and declining donations are placing significant strain on the state’s safety net health centers. San Francisco Chronicle.
Legislature OKs Bill To Curb Health Insurance Rescissions
The measure aims to prevent insurers from revoking coverage because of unintentional mistakes on an application and will require insurers to do medical background checks before offering coverage. Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed a similar measure last year and has pledged to veto all bills until lawmakers act on his priority issues. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Baucus Gives ‘Gang of Six’ Opportunity To Offer Changes to Plan
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus gave members of a bipartisan group negotiating health care reform legislation until this morning to offer suggestions to the outline he circulated over the weekend. The plan drew mixed reviews from senators. Politico et al.
California Doctors File Brief Backing L.A. Rescissions Case
In July, the California Medical Association and the Los Angeles County Medical Association filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the Los Angeles city attorney’s suit aimed at curbing health insurance rescissions. The case is before the 2nd District Court of Appeal. American Medical News.
Gingrich Weighs In on Prospects for Health Reform
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich advised President Obama to pursue piecemeal health care reform, warning that a single comprehensive bill will make it harder to win votes in Congress. Gingrich also addressed misinformation about death panels and other aspects of the health care debate. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
President Set To Take Push for Health Care Overhaul to Congress
In a prime-time speech to a joint session of Congress, President Obama is expected to reiterate his support for a public health plan option and enumerate other provisions he wants lawmakers to include in health care reform legislation. Washington Post et al.
Opinion: Polls Shows Support for Evidence-Based Care
A new poll indicates that California voters overwhelmingly support efforts to provide physicians with evidence about the comparative effectiveness of treatments, according to an opinion piece by Shannon Brownlee, senior research fellow at the New America Foundation, and Michael Wilkes, director of global health at UC-Davis. Brownlee and Wilkes urge lawmakers to back comparative effectiveness provisions in health care reform. Sacramento Bee.