Latest California Healthline Stories
Poll: Public Support for Reform Proposals Similar to Backing for ’94 Effort
A new survey by the conservative polling firm Public Opinion Strategies found that public support for health care reform proposals is at about the same level it was in 1994 when the Clinton administration was trying to win support for a health care reform plan. Roll Call et al.
Virginia Senator Tackles End-of-Life Care at Town Hall
Virginia Democrat Mark Warner discussed end-of-life care at a town-hall meeting yesterday, aiming to dispel false assertions that Democratic health care reform proposals would create so-called “death panels.” Warner said end-of-life care should not be the defining issue in reform negotiations but it should be addressed. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Poizner Files Lawsuit To Halt Sale of Workers’ Comp Fund
On Friday, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is expected to file a lawsuit attempting to block a plan by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sell a portion of the state workers’ compensation fund to help offset a $24 billion state budget deficit. Poizner said he will ask a judge for an injunction barring the state from selling any policies from the $21 billion State Fund, which provides coverage to about 200,000 California employers. Los Angeles Times et al.
High Diabetes Rates Drive Up Use of Hyperbaric Chambers
Some inland southern California hospitals have begun adding hyperbaric oxygen chambers to treat area patients with slow-healing wounds. According to physicians, the region has a high rate of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases that lead to chronic wounds. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Sacramento County Proposes Cuts to Health Programs
Sacramento County has proposed an additional $54.5 million in cuts from its general fund budget it approved in June, most of which are to the county’s health and social services programs. The cuts include funding to community health clinics and eliminating the crisis unit and half the beds at the county’s Mental Health Treatment Center. Sacramento Bee.
Calif. Officials Outline Preparations for Possible Surge in H1N1 Flu Cases
Yesterday, the California Department of Public Health updated legislators about steps the department has taken to prepare for the upcoming flu season. Agency officials said as many as one in four state residents could contract the H1N1 influenza this year. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of August 28, 2009
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian broke ground on the new Hoag Hospital Irvine, and Eden Township Healthcare District voted not to sell San Leandro Hospital to Sutter Health. Meanwhile, Stanford officials unveiled a new design for the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital expansion.
Highway Patrol Union To Pre-Fund Retiree Health Benefits With Pay Hikes
The union representing California Highway Patrol officers has negotiated a new contract deal that would redirect scheduled wage increases for 2009 and 2010 to pre-fund retiree health care benefits. Union members will need to ratify the plan for it to take effect. Sacramento Bee.
Panel Approves Bill Designed To Keep Kids in Healthy Families
Yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a measure that would raise funds to keep children enrolled in Healthy Families. In addition, the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board yesterday decided to delay plans to disenroll children from the program for another month. Sacramento Bee.
California Rep. Woolsey Lays Out Stance on Health Care Reform
In an interview, Rep. Lynn Woolsey addressed the House Progressive Caucus’ support for a government-run health plan and other aspects of the reform debate. KQED’s “Forum” et al.