Latest California Healthline Stories
Poll Finds Half Are Unhappy With Obama on Health Care
Half of respondents in a new Washington Post/ABC News poll said they disapprove of the way President Obama is handling health care reform. In addition, 52% of respondents said they favor a public plan within health reform legislation, compared with 46% who are opposed to a public option. Washington Post.
New Study Shows Big Jump in Health Insurance Premiums
A Families USA study released Thursday found that premiums for employer-sponsored health coverage for families increased by 95.2% between 2000 and 2009 while median income increased by 17.5%. Workers also are receiving fewer benefits and higher deductibles and copayments, the study found. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Telemedicine Program in San Joaquin Valley Hits Hurdles
Leaders of UC-Merced’s Valley Telehealth Partnership had hoped to add 20 news sites to the effort in 2010, but the economic downturn and the state budget crisis have pushed leaders to dial back expectations. Healthcare IT News.
Obama Stumps for Health Care Reform in Call to Faith Community
President Obama took his call for health care reform to religious leaders yesterday, framing his argument for health care reform in moral terms. A coalition of religious denominations and other groups is set to rally for reform through a national TV ad, a prayer rally, sermons and meetings with elected leaders. New York Times et al.
CalPERS Files Lawsuit Over Mandated Furlough Days
On Wednesday, CalPERS filed a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court arguing that the three furlough days per month mandated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger compromise its ability to serve retirees. The suit also argues that the furloughs generate no savings for the state budget and that they could cost the state more in the long run if the pension fund is unable to rebound from large investment losses. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.
Biden, Sebelius Scheduled To Announce $1.2B for Health IT
On Thursday, Vice President Biden and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will announce the application process for $1.2 billion in grants to help hospitals implement electronic health records. McClatchy/Kansas City Star.
Proposed Sale of State Fund Assets Met With Skepticism
The budget revision that was passed last month included a proposal to generate $1 billion by selling part of the State Compensation Insurance Fund, California’s quasi-public workers’ compensation insurer of last resort. Analysts say such a sale would take years to approve because of legal challenges and questions about the role of the insurer’s board in approving the sale. Sacramento Bee.
Kids a Motivating Factor for Health Reform, Editorial Says
The number of uninsured children in California is expected to reach 1.2 million in the next year, which proves the U.S. system is not “the best health care system in the world,” an editorial argues. It continues that the “federal government is in danger of dropping the ball” on health reform and California children will be “among those paying the price.” San Jose Mercury News.
MRMIB Mulls Options for Easing Impact of Healthy Families Cuts
The Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board is meeting today to discuss the possibility of restructuring benefits, copayments and premiums for Healthy Families. The board hopes the proposed changes would reduce the effect of more than $175 million in recent budget cuts to the program. Sacramento Bee‘s “CapitolAlert.”
California Health Clinics Struggle To Stay Afloat Amid State Budget Cuts
Funding losses from budget cuts are threatening the sustainability of not-for-profit health clinics that serve low-income and uninsured populations throughout California. Advocates say clinic closures would force rural residents to travel longer distances for medical care. Capitol Weekly.