Latest California Healthline Stories
Riverside County Imposes Contract on Nurses, Others
On Monday, Riverside County declared an impasse in its negotiations with the Service Employees International Union and moved to impose a contract on workers represented by the union on Thursday. SEIU represents nurses, social workers, sheriff’s dispatch employees and other county service workers. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Research Finds Major Jump in Costs of Treating Obesity
A study in the journal Health Affairs indicates that annual spending on treatments for obesity-related conditions hit $147 billion in 2008, accounting for about 10% of all health care spending. Moreover, researchers found that obese Americans’ health care costs are about 42% higher than normal-weight Americans’ costs. New York Times.
Advocates Alarmed Over Possible Line-Item Veto of Health Funding
Today, Gov. Schwarzenegger is expected to sign a budget agreement that cuts $1.6 billion from state health programs. Advocates are concerned that the governor will use his line-item veto authority to further reduce state spending on health care services, particularly funding for Healthy Families. Sacramento Bee et al.
House Leadership Appears Less Confident of Vote Before Recess
In comments Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer left open the possibility that health care reform legislation would not come up for a vote in the full House before adjourning for the August recess. The Hill et al.
California Hospitals See Rise in Uncompensated Care
Not-for-profit hospitals in California have experienced significant increases in charity care and bad debts in recent years. The trend has contributed to concerns over some health care reform proposals under consideration in Congress. Sacramento Bee.
Nursing Board Calls for More Staff, Authority To Investigate Complaints
Yesterday, the California Board of Registered Nursing released a report urging state officials to boost the board’s staff and increase its ability to investigate nurses accused of misconduct. A recent investigation found major delays in the board’s enforcement. Los Angeles Times.
Healthy Families Funding Cut, Enrollment Frozen
California’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, Healthy Families, stands to lose one-third of its funding under the budget agreement the Legislature approved Friday. The move could result in as many as 450,000 children being denied coverage. KQED’s “The California Report.”
Former Insurance Industry Official Alleges Improprieties
Last month, Wendell Potter, former head of public relations for CIGNA, testified before Congress and detailed allegations of health insurance industry practices that he says hurt consumers. KQED’s “Forum.”
Senate Finance Panel Members Inch Closer to Deal on Health Reform
Six senators are considering bipartisan compromise legislation to overhaul the U.S. health care system that would not require employers to provide health insurance coverage to workers or include a public plan. Both provisions are included in a House reform bill. AP/Detroit Free Press et al.
House OKs Bill With $5M for UC-Riverside Medical School, Calif. Hospitals
A bipartisan group of California representatives lobbied for the funding, which will help cover the cost of equipment and construction at the proposed UC-Riverside Medical School and initiatives at other facilities in Inland Southern California. Riverside Press-Enterprise.