Latest California Healthline Stories
Analysis Shows Federal COBRA Subsidy Has Led to Greater Enrollment
New data from the consulting firm Hewitt Associates indicate that more laid-off workers have enrolled in COBRA coverage since the federal economic stimulus package provided subsidies for such coverage. The subsidy will be available for workers laid off through the end of 2009. USA Today.
Calif. Counties Wrestle With Budget Reductions, Health Program Cuts
California’s health care programs are struggling under the dual strain of targeted budget cuts and funding reductions for cities and counties. Local governments administer many health care programs, such as immunization and mental health services. PBS’ “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.”
Majority of San Diego County First 5 Advisory Panel Quits
Nine of 16 members of the panel that advises San Diego County First 5 on grants for early childhood health care and education programs resigned after new conflict-of-interest rules took effect. The rules prohibit grants to organizations that employ the advisers. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Gov. Renews Plans To Reform CalPERS, Cut Retiree Health Benefits
Gov. Schwarzenegger hopes to reduce state spending on California’s pension system by cutting retiree health benefits and lowering pension obligations for new state workers. He says his plan will cut state spending by $90 billion over 30 years. Sacramento Bee, Visalia Times-Delta.
Rural Hospitals Brace for Cuts to Payments for Inmate Care
The budget revision that Gov. Schwarzenegger signed last month will cap reimbursements to hospitals, doctors and ambulance services for care provided to California prison inmates. Hospital officials say the drop in payments will be hard to absorb. Fresno Bee.
More Than 3,000 Treated at No-Cost Event in L.A.
From Tuesday to Friday, more than 3,000 people received care in Inglewood at the largest and longest-running clinic that the not-for-profit Remote Area Medical has staged in its 25-year history. Los Angeles Times et al.
Clinic Brings Attention to Health Coverage for Undocumented Residents
A watchdog group recently called for a Vallejo community clinic to stop using public funds to treat undocumented immigrants. The situation illustrates the tension surrounding the national debate on health reform and extending coverage to uninsured populations. Wall Street Journal.
Placer, Yolo Counties Offer Insight to Reform Challenges
Placer and Yolo counties have noticeably different demographics, with Placer County having the lowest rate of uninsured people of all California counties. The differences in the two counties underscore the obstacles to expanding health insurance coverage in the U.S. Sacramento Bee.
Options Available for People Without Dental Insurance
Statistics from the California HealthCare Foundation indicate that 30% of Californians report poor or fair dental health, and many Californians go without dental care because they lack coverage. Dental schools, not-for-profit organizations and community clinics provide discounted services. Los Angeles Times.
Calif. Lawmakers Return From Recess To Consider Array of Pending Bills
California’s legislators are scheduled to return to the Capitol today following their annual summer recess. During the four weeks remaining in the current legislative session, lawmakers are set to consider bills on health insurance gender rating and other issues. Sacramento Bee.