Latest California Healthline Stories
National Nurse Union Rolls Out New Name, Plans Meeting
The new National Nurses United will result from the merger of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, United American Nurses and the Massachusetts Nurses Association. The combined union will represent about 150,000 registered nurses nationwide. San Francisco Business Times.
Health Reform Proposals Could Expand Insurance Access for Young Adults
Young adults currently make up one of the largest uninsured populations in the country. Advocates and lawmakers have proposed various measures to amend this disparity, such as allowing young adults to remain on their parents’ insurance plans beyond age 18. HealthLeaders Media.
No Incentive for Doctors To Adopt Coordinated Care
Although most physicians believe coordinated care — in which doctors work together to treat a patient — is good for patients, many have not adopted it in their practices because there is no financial incentive for them to do so. A provision in House health reform legislation would create a coordinated care pilot project under Medicare and a grading system for insurers that might motivate them to offer coordinated care. NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
New Pay-for-Performance Report Sees Quality Gaps, Benefits of IT
The Integrated Healthcare Association’s latest report on its pay-for-performance program suggests that clinical performance varies across California, with the Sacramento and San Francisco Bay regions performing above state averages. The report also notes that health IT adoption is associated with higher clinical quality. Modern Healthcare, IHA release.
Kucinich Asks Health Insurers To Testify at Hearing in September
Rep. Dennis Kucinich sent letters asking at least six health insurers to appear at a House panel hearing next month to address aspects of the health insurance business that affect coverage. Roll Call, Reuters.
Health Claim Costs Expected To Increase by 10.5%
Health insurers that offer employer-based coverage plans anticipate claim costs will increase by 10.5% within the next year, according to a survey by Aon Consulting. The increase could result in employees paying higher premiums or experiencing a change in coverage. AP/Google News.
RNC Chair Steele Touts Party Stance on Medicare, Reform
Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele said Medicare should not be cut to help cover the cost of health care reform but voiced support for efforts to administer the program more effectively. Earlier this week, RNC unveiled a “Seniors’ Health Care Bill of Rights” as part of a push against Democratic health care reform proposals. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Union Survey Faults Hospitals in 9 States for Flu Readiness
A survey by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee found that hospitals in California and eight other states are not adequately prepared for an outbreak of H1N1 flu. Union officials say the lack of preparation could compromise patients’ health. HealthLeaders Media.
Lawmakers Question How Kennedy’s Death Will Affect Reform Talks
Proponents of Democratic health care reform efforts are optimistic that Sen. Edward Kennedy’s death this week will trigger a definitive push to enact health care reform legislation this year. Other stakeholders are more skeptical. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
New Projections on Budget Gap Heighten Concerns on Reform
Critics of Democratic health care reform plans are using new projections on the federal budget deficit to underscore their worries about the costs of proposals under consideration in Congress, but White House officials say the report shows how badly health care reform is needed. The data estimate that the federal budget deficit will pass $9 trillion over 10 years. Washington Post et al.