Latest California Healthline Stories
White House Stands Up for Deal on Cost Savings With Rx Drug Industry
The Obama administration reassured the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America that it would stick to a June agreement and not seek greater savings from the industry. House progressives who want more from the industry criticized the move. New York Times.
Union Says More Protections Needed Against H1N1 Flu
On Wednesday, more than 100 nurses organized by the California Nurses Association protested on the steps of UC-San Francisco Medical Center, saying their contracts should be changed to codify stricter safety standards after a nurse in Sacramento who was exposed to the H1N1 flu died on July 17. San Mateo County Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
Senate Democrats Hone Health Care Message Ahead of August Recess
Senate Democrats are holding meetings ahead of their adjournment for the August recess Friday in hopes of solidifying their message on health care reform. Speakers at a meeting yesterday urged senators to emphasize that Senate proposals would not increase individuals’ taxes. The Hill et al.
About 20% of Low-Income Calif. Residents Uninsured
About one in five California residents whose incomes are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level had no health coverage in 2006, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The data also showed that there are 218 U.S. counties with more than 250,000 residents in which at least 50% of low-income residents were uninsured. HealthLeaders Media.
Critics of Health Reform Plans Disrupt Town-Hall Meetings
As Congress returns home for the August recess, Democrats have been bombarded in their home districts by opponents of Democratic health reform proposals. White House officials and Democratic lawmakers say the plans are part of a coordinated effort to stop action on health care reform. Los Angeles Times et al.
California’s Blue Dogs Emerging as Key Players in Health Care Reform
With more Blue Dogs than any other state, California representatives are helping to influence national dialogue on health care reform. In May, five California Blue Dogs broke with their caucus by refusing to sign a letter opposing some of Obama’s reform proposals. Capitol Weekly.
Insurers’ Chief Lobbyist Pushes Back Against Democrats’ Criticism
Karen Ignagni, president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans, held a conference call yesterday, highlighting a number of areas where AHIP has reached agreements with lawmakers on health care reform efforts. Ignagni pledged to continue participating in negotiations. The Hill et al.
President Huddles With Senate Democrats on Health Overhaul
President Obama met with Senate Democrats at a private White House luncheon yesterday as part of an effort to get Democrats on the same page on health care reform ahead of the August recess. Obama urged senators to continue bipartisan negotiations but said they might have to consider other options to move legislation. McClatchy/Philadelphia Inquirer et al.
Sebelius Addresses Questions on Status of Health Reform
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that the health care reform effort is fundamentally about reworking the rules that affect health insurance coverage and expanding consumer protections. NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
UC Schools To Receive $200M for Telemedicine, Other Building Projects
Yesterday, state officials closed a $199.9 million bond deal that will provide financing for telemedicine projects and other infrastructure improvements at eight University of California campuses. UC-Davis will receive $35 million for a new telemedicine center. KGTV News et al.