Latest California Healthline Stories
Medicare Premium Hike Could Cut Into Social Security Benefits
Social Security trustees do not expect to provide cost of living adjustments for beneficiaries because the current economic recession has resulted in negative inflation. However, increased premiums for the Medicare drug benefit will result in smaller Social Security checks for some people. AP/Chicago Tribune, CQ Today.
Sen. Boxer, Other Calif. Representatives Discuss Health Care Reform Bills
Yesterday, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) discussed health care reform proposals with medical workers at Riverside County Regional Medical Center. Meanwhile, California Congress members are holding health reform meetings throughout the state. Riverside Press-Enterprise et al.
First 5 Riverside Seeks More Faith-Based Partnerships
First 5 Riverside on Friday will hold a meeting to recruit more faith-based organizations to help promote its health, education and parenting services for pregnant women and other programs. First 5 Riverside currently has partnerships with between 10 and 20 churches and wants more to be involved, according to the group’s health and community administrator Michelle Burroughs. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Colleges Receive Funds for Health Interpreter Programs
College of the Sequoias and Reedley College in Visalia have received grants to expand their Spanish-language health care interpreter programs. On Jan. 1, state regulations took effect that guarantee residents access to an interpreter from their commercial health plans. COS received $53,700 and Reedley received $38,200, which will open up the program for dozens more students. Fresno Bee.
Union Backs Effort To Uphold Hours at Kaiser Health Clinics
The California Nurses Association labor union is supporting a Stockton woman’s grassroots campaign to convince Kaiser Permanente to keep open its after-hours clinics in Stockton, Manteca, Tracy and Modesto. CNA members on Saturday will be outside of the Kaiser Permanente complex in Stockton attempting to gather signatures for a petition on the issue from Kaiser members. Stockton Record.
House Reform Bill Includes Provisions for House Calls
A provision of health care reform legislation (HR 3200) under consideration in the House would aim to expand the availability of house calls for patients with multiple chronic conditions. The proposal aims to let private doctors and nursing practices share the cost savings house calls help generate. Los Angeles Times.
Editorial: Proposed Gov’t. Role in Health Care a ‘Nightmare’
After reading the House health care reform bill, the Orange County Register editorial board concluded that the “proposed extent of government control is … a nightmare.” According to the editorial, the legislation includes “a number of changes that have received limited coverage,” including a “new, broader role for the IRS,” a “significant expansion of Medicare” and “many policy details still to be written.” Orange County Register.
California Leaders Make Annual List of ‘100 Most Powerful’ in Health Care
Modern Healthcare‘s 2009 list of the “100 Most Powerful People in Health Care” includes George Halvorson of Kaiser Permanente, Gov. Schwarzenegger, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of the state’s congressional delegation, and Lloyd Dean of Catholic Healthcare West. Modern Healthcare.
Republican National Committee Unveils Health Care Bill of Rights
Yesterday, the Republican National Committee put forward a “Seniors’ Health Care Bill of Rights” that lists a number of things Republican lawmakers do not want to occur under health care reform legislation. The Democratic National Committee said the statement was inaccurate. Washington Post et al.
S.F. Asks Court To Reject Case Challenging Health Care Effort
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association is challenging Healthy San Francisco’s mandate that employers contribute toward workers’ health care costs. Yesterday, City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed a brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to dismiss the restaurant group’s appeal of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court decision in the city’s favor. San Francisco Chronicle.