Latest California Healthline Stories
Organ Donors at Risk of Being Denied Health Coverage
Advocates for organ donation say that donors could be ruled to have a pre-existing condition, which could jeopardize their chance of obtaining health coverage, but major insurers say that they consider such cases on a case-by-case basis. Medical experts and donation advocates say that the lack of clarity on the matter from insurers puts people at risk of losing coverage and discouraging potential donors. Los Angeles Times.
Senate HELP Committee Sends Health Reform Proposal to Full Senate
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved a proposal aimed at expanding health insurance coverage and reining in health care cost increases. This morning’s vote came after the panel completed four weeks of markups yesterday. AP/Google.com et al.
Most New Stem Cell Lines Created in California
Most of the laboratories in the U.S. that create new stem cell lines are in California because state voters approved $3 billion to fund such research in 2004 when tighter restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research were in place. KQED’s “The California Report.”
Opinion: Health Care Reform Will Shape Obama Presidency
President Obama “must have something, anything on health care” to maintain the political momentum of his political career, James Rule, a scholar at the Center for the Study of Law and Society at UC-Berkeley, writes in an opinion piece. Sacramento Bee.
Anti-Smoking Advocates Pressure Lawmakers To Increase Tobacco Tax
The American Cancer Society and others are calling for higher tobacco taxes to reduce smoking-related health costs. The campaign notes that 10 other states have raised such taxes this year, leaving California with the 32nd-highest tax nationwide. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Advocate Disputes Governor’s Estimates of Fraud in IHSS
Deborah Doctor, a legislative advocate for Disability Rights California, asserts that Gov. Schwarzenegger’s calls to rework the In-Home Supportive Services program to prevent fraud would save California less than Schwarzenegger projects. Los Angeles Times.
State Fund Revenue Down; Board Opposes Proposed Sale
The State Compensation Insurance Fund reported a 27% drop in revenue for 2008, reflecting lower premiums and a smaller share of the California workers’ compensation insurance market. Separately, the insurer’s board of directors approved a resolution opposing the proposed sale of State Fund’s assets to help address the state budget deficit. San Francisco Business Times.
Governor Shakes Up Nursing Board After Critical Investigation
Yesterday, Gov. Schwarzenegger named six replacements for the nine-member Board of Registered Nursing. The action comes a day after the Los Angeles Times published an investigation finding major delays in the board’s enforcement of misconduct charges. The new board members have been asked to develop a plan to address the delays immediately. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Obama Meets With Lawmakers To Push for Action on Health Reform
President Obama met with Democratic leaders from the Senate and House, as well as members of the Blue Dog Coalition, to underscore his desire to enact health care reform this year. Obama is pushing for the Senate and House to approve legislation before the August recess. CQ Today et al.
Pelosi Says House Health Care Reform Proposal Will Be Unveiled Today
The bill originally was scheduled to be released last week but was delayed after members of the Blue Dog Coalition expressed concerns over some provisions. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said the bill would be released today and more changes would be made in committee. The Hill et al.