Latest California Healthline Stories
Opinion: Doctor Training Is Essential to Health Reform
A “critical issue” that has received “scant attention” in the debate over health reform legislation is that expanding health insurance coverage could result in a shortage of physicians, particularly in San Joaquin Valley, argues an editorial. The editorial continues that the “solution” is to “train more doctors,” which is why it supports the proposal for a medical school at UC-Merced. Modesto Bee.
Furloughs Exacerbate Delays for Calif. Medical Licensing Boards
Although California’s medical licensing agencies collect money from fees instead of from the state, licensing board workers are required to comply with mandated monthly furlough days for state workers. Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod has proposed a resolution to exempt the licensing agencies from the furloughs, which some say have worsened investigation backlogs. HealthLeaders Media.
UC-Irvine Received $318M in Research Contracts, Grants
UC-Irvine received $317.7 million in research contracts and grants during the fiscal year that ended June 30. The money was used to research methods of combating infectious diseases, ways of tracking the health of young children and other projects. Orange County Register’s “Science Dude.”
White House Turns to Internet To Dispel Health Reform Misinformation
Yesterday, the White House launched a new Web site aimed at addressing misconceptions about Democrats’ health reform plans. Meanwhile, AARP is launching an advertising campaign designed to alleviate seniors’ concerns about health reform. Los Angeles Times et al.
Drug Industry To Spend $150M on Ads in Support of Health Reform Efforts
According to sources, the pharmaceutical industry has authorized its lobbyists to spend about $150 million on television advertisements supporting health reform plans. The ads are set to begin running over Congress’ August recess. New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
Senate Confirms Francis Collins as NIH Director
On Friday, the Senate approved President Obama’s nominee for NIH director, Francis Collins. Collins, a scientist, led the Human Genome Project, which helped map the human genetic code. AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Opinion: Rules Could Prevent Unnecessary Rescission
New proposed regulations on rescissions would “clarify [California’s] current law’s ambiguities so insurance companies can’t take advantage of people” by addressing the issue “at the front end” and ensuring that “questions that arise later are resolved quickly,” argues Steve Poizner, California’s insurance commissioner. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Kaiser Permanente’s First-Half Net Income Increases to $1.1B
On Friday, not-for-profit health insurer Kaiser Permanente announced its net income in the first half of 2009 was $1.1 billion, nearly twice its $601 million net income in the first half of 2008. Kaiser Permanente’s total enrollment declined by 36,000 members over the first six months of the year but remained at about 8.6 million in total. San Francisco Business Times, Contra Costa Times.
Senate Leader To Sue Governor Over Line-Item Funding Cuts
On Friday, Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg said he plans to file legal action against Gov. Schwarzenegger because he said the governor overstepped his authority by using line-item vetoes to deepen budget cuts to health care and other services. Steinberg said he will file the lawsuit in San Francisco’s Superior Court early this week. Sacramento Bee et al.
U.S. Rep. Lewis Pushes for Bill To Fund Calif. Health Care Projects
A bill by Rep. Jerry Lewis would allocate $3.4 million in federal funding to help Riverside and San Bernardino county hospitals purchase advanced medical equipment. The bill also would provide funding for a new medical school at UC-Riverside. Redlands Daily Facts.