Latest California Healthline Stories
L.A. Asian Health Center Gets $684K in Stimulus Funds
The Asian Pacific Health Care Venture in Los Angeles has received $683,965 in federal stimulus funds to address capital improvement needs. The facility provides medical and mental health services to people who speak several Asian languages, English and Spanish. New America Media.
MRMIB Meets To Discuss Healthy Families’ Fate in Wake of Budget Cuts
Yesterday, the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board discussed whether state budget cuts would force Healthy Families to begin disenrolling children. First 5 Commission officials say they will help fund Healthy Families, but have not finalized a contribution. Sacramento Bee, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
State HMO Regulator Orders Discount Card Firms To Close
On Thursday, the California Department of Managed Health Care ordered discount health care companies PrudentChoice and International Association of Benefits to stop operating in the state after both failed to obtain licenses. San Francisco Chronicle.
California Hospital Roundup for the Week of July 31, 2009
A local development group and surgeon announced plans to build a new hospital in San Jacinto, while Valley Health System’s board voted to enter negotiations to sell the hospital district to a physician group. Meanwhile, UC-San Francisco Medical Center won approval for a helipad.
House Democrats Reach Deal That Clears Path for Health Reform Bill
Progressive members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee reached an agreement with Blue Dog Democrats to restore funds for some subsidies for health insurance coverage. Committee Chair Henry Waxman expects the committee to wrap up talks on the bill this afternoon. Politico et al.
Dean, Frist Debate Prospects, Merits of Reform Proposals
Former Democratic National Committee Chair and former Gov. Howard Dean and former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist weighed in on health care reform proposals under consideration and shared their thoughts on a public option, provisions targeted at the health insurance industry and the prospects for reform this year. PBS’ “Charlie Rose.”
Stimulus Funds Pay for 22 Stanford Research Jobs
The Stanford University School of Medicine has used $200,000 in federal stimulus funds from NIH to pay for 22 summer research jobs at the school. San Francisco Business Times.
Senate Finance Leader Says Panel Won’t Vote on Reform Before Recess
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus announced that his panel would not have a health care reform proposal ready for mark-up hearings before the Senate adjourns next week. Baucus is working with six senators to put together a bipartisan plan. Wall Street Journal.
Palo Alto Sees Jump in Health Benefit Costs for Retirees
Palo Alto’s unfunded liability for providing health benefits to retirees jumped by 28% over two years, a study by Milliman found. The firm traced the increase partly to an increase in the number of city employees who retired and a 36% drop in the value of the city’s trust fund since March 31. San Jose Mercury News.
Kaiser To Dole Out $11 Million in Community Health Grants
Kaiser Permanente has announced $11 million in grants for organizations nationwide that strive to increase access to care, train health workers, encourage fitness and promote healthy eating. Several California institutions are among the grant recipients. San Francisco Business Times.