Latest California Healthline Stories
President Stumps for Reform Plans in Western States Over Weekend
President Obama worked to build public support for Democratic health care reform proposals at town-hall rallies in Montana and Colorado over the weekend. Obama also took on opponents of reform efforts in his weekly address and penned an opinion piece on reform. Washington Post et al.
White House Opens Possibility of Reform Without Public Option
President Obama and members of his administration said that a public health plan was not an integral component of health care reform, raising the possibility of the president backing legislation that would not create such a plan. Other Democrats criticized the move and questioned whether some lawmakers would support reform legislation that doesn’t include a public option. New York Times et al.
Retracted Letter Says Kaiser Clinic Hours Will Be Cut Back
On Friday, more than 100,000 Kaiser Permanente members in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties received letters saying that Kaiser’s after-hours clinics would reduce their hours. Kaiser said that the letter was sent prematurely and that changes to after-hours clinics still are under consideration. Stockton Record.
Obama Heads West To Stump for Efforts To Overhaul Health Care
President Obama will hold town-hall meetings on health reform in Montana and Colorado as part of an effort to rally public support for Democratic proposals to rework the U.S. health care system. The White House says the president will tackle misconceptions about reform plans. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Despite First 5 Donation, Healthy Families Will End Kids’ Coverage
In response to recent state budget cuts, the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board voted yesterday to begin removing children from Healthy Families. The move comes despite an announcement that the First 5 California Commission will contribute more than $80 million to the program. Los Angeles Times et al.
New Web Site Aims To Help Consumers Choose Doctors
The not-for-profit group Consumers’ Checkbook collected names of patients from insurance companies to survey them about their physicians. The group tabulated the responses for three metropolitan areas and posted the ratings on its Patient Central Web site last month. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Medical Home Model of Health Care Drawing More Scrutiny
Some stakeholders are urging lawmakers to pay close attention to the medical home model of care delivery as they debate health care reform efforts. Under medical homes, patients are assigned to primary care providers who focus on wellness and prevention. NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of August 14, 2009
Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center re-opened its helipad, while Mercy Medical Center Merced announced plans to award community benefit grants. Most doctors who refer patients to Valley Health System’s facilities are backing a doctor group’s purchase of the health care district.
Democrats Trudge on With Reform, Concerns About Deficit Linger
Congressional Democrats say they remain committed to approving health care reform legislation when they return from the August recess despite protests at town-hall meetings this month. Concerns about the cost of health care reform remain a key obstacle. CQ Today et al.
Healthy San Francisco Seen as Model for Health Reform
Data indicate that hospital admissions have decreased as eligibility for Healthy San Francisco has expanded. The program aims to ensure access to health care services for all San Francisco residents. Researchers are evaluating Healthy San Francisco and other federally funded Health Care Coverage Initiatives. New America Media.