Latest California Healthline Stories
UnitedHealth’s Profit More Than Doubles in Q2
On Tuesday, UnitedHealth Group announced a second-quarter profit of $859 million, which is more than twice its $337 million profit in the same period a year ago. On Monday, UnitedHealth agreed to purchase Health Net’s northeastern plans, with 578,000 members, for $510 million. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Sacramento Business Journal.
$1.6M in Stimulus Grants for Research Goes to UC-Davis
The UC-Davis School of Medicine’s Sacramento campus will receive $1.6 million in federal stimulus funds for six ongoing research projects into Parkinson’s disease, cancer, viral infection and traumatic brain injuries. Sacramento Business Journal.
White House, House Democrats Reach Deal on Medicare Payments
An independent panel would have influence over reimbursements from Medicare and other government health care programs under a tentative agreement on health care reform that the White House reached with Blue Dog Democrats and Rep. Henry Waxman. Politico et al.
Calif. Lawmakers Face Challenge in Selling Their Budget Proposal
Yesterday, leading Republican and Democratic legislators began lobbying Assembly and Senate members to support their recent agreement to resolve the state’s budget deficit. Meanwhile, advocates and other officials are pushing back against proposed cuts to health programs, local governments and prison budgets. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the plan tomorrow. AP/Stockton Record et al.
Calif. Health IT Groups Compete for Stimulus Funds
The California Regional Health Information Organization and the California e-Health Collaborative are both hoping to play a lead role in administering federal stimulus funds for health information technology projects in the state. California is expected to get billions of dollars in stimulus funds for health IT. San Francisco Business Times.
N. Calif. Hospitals Use Buying Power To Force Food Changes
Northern California hospitals are using their collective purchasing power to insist on changes in how food is grown and distributed as part of a movement toward providing healthier food to their patients. San Jose Mercury News.
Union Leader Criticizes Governor on Home Care
Sal Rosselli, interim president of the National Union of Healthcare Workers, maintains that Gov. Schwarzenegger’s estimates of fraud in the In-Home Supportive Services program are exaggerated and that his proposals to cut funding for the program will cost the state more in the long run. Sacramento Bee.
Governors Lay Out Plans for New Initiative on Health Care Reform
Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas said his first project as head of the National Governors Association would be an effort aimed at helping states adapt to changes in the health care system, especially those brought about through national reform efforts. HealthLeaders Media.
President Restates Commitment to Budget-Neutral Health Reform
In an interview, President Obama once again said he wanted Congress to approve health care reform legislation that does not add to the federal deficit. The president also fired back at Republicans and others who have spoken out against reform plans in Congress. Reuters et al.
VA Announces Facility Could Be in Stockton, French Camp
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced a proposed $250 million medical facility and 120-bed nursing home for veterans will be in either the Stockton or French Camp areas. VA is expected to announce a specific location later this year. Stockton Record.