Latest California Healthline Stories
Stimulus Money Funds Youth Jobs at Health Campaign
The federal economic stimulus package will help cover wages for students and recent graduates working this summer at the Get Fit Summer 2009 educational campaign, which promotes healthy lifestyles and fitness. About 50 young people in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park will participate in the effort and a similar journalism program. San Jose Mercury News.
Insurers, Government Get Blamed for Health Care Costs
In an online poll conducted last week, about a third of respondents said that rising health care costs could be traced back to health insurers and about a quarter of respondents said government policy was responsible for rising medical costs. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.
Poizner Rejects Calls for Workers’ Comp Rate Hike
On Wednesday, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner rejected the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau’s recommendation to increase premiums by 24% for new policies or those renewed after July 1. Poizner’s stance is advisory; he cannot regulate workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Business Times.
Senate Majority Leader Raises Concerns About Finance Committee Plan
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid cautioned Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus that as many as 15 Democrats might withhold support for the panel’s health care reform proposal if it includes taxes on employer-sponsored health care benefits and doesn’t include a public plan. Roll Call et al.
Survey Finds Bipartisan Voter Support for New Tobacco Tax Increases
A recent poll finds that a majority of Democratic and Republican Californians support raising tobacco taxes to help mend the state’s budget deficit. However, Republican lawmakers said they remain firmly opposed to imposing any new taxes. Oakland Tribune, Ventura County Star.
HMO Regulators Take Action Against Alleged Fraud Scheme
On Tuesday, the Department of Managed Health Care announced that it has received an order from an administrative judge barring a couple from selling HMO and PPO policies in California. The couple is accused of failing to pay premiums it collected from workers to Kaiser Permanente. Los Angeles Times, HealthLeaders Media.
President Reiterates Support for Public Option in Health Reform
President Obama issued a statement from Russia restating his support for including a public health plan in reform efforts after White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel suggested that the White House would consider a compromise on the plan. Emanuel met with House Democrats last night seeking to smooth over concerns about his statement. Reuters/Boston Globe et al.
Editorial Urges Fast Approval of Bill for New Hospital Fee
The Legislature should approve Assembly member Dave Jones’ AB 1383, which would create a new hospital fee that the state would use to draw down additional federal funds for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, an editorial states. Provisions of the stimulus package increase federal matching funds for Medicaid through 2010. Sacramento Bee.
New Stimulus Guide Focuses on Concerns of Blacks
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has released a new resource guide on the federal economic stimulus package that pays particular attention to issues of interest to blacks. The guide includes findings on health care and resources the stimulus channels to minority health issues. New America Media.
Panel Approves Bill To Equalize Coverage for Chemotherapy Drugs
Yesterday, the Assembly Health Committee approved Sen. Roderick Wright’s SB 161, which would allow cancer patients to receive equal insurance benefits for both oral and intravenous chemotherapy treatments. The Senate approved the measure last month. Sacramento Bee.