Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill To Forestall Closure of San Leandro ED Fails in Committee Vote
On Tuesday, the Assembly Health Committee fell one vote short of passing SB 196, which would have required more notice and public hearings before an emergency department can close. Assembly member Mary Hayashi, the bill’s co-author, refrained from voting on the measure. Oakland Tribune.
Kennedy, Dodd Roll Out New Cost Estimates on Reworked Reform Plan
Sens. Edward Kennedy and Christopher Dodd told members of the Senate HELP Committee that their revised proposal would cost $600 billion over 10 years and cover 97% of Americans. Bloggers pointed out that the estimate does not take into account the cost of a proposed Medicaid expansion. AP/Chicago Tribune et al.
President Pushes for Health Care Reform in Town Hall Meeting
President Obama called on the public to pressure lawmakers to approve health care reform legislation, asserting that health care costs will continue to rise and have a bigger effect on Americans’ finances if action is not taken soon. Republicans said Obama’s proposals would hurt the economy. Washington Post et al.
California To Begin Issuing IOUs; Gov. Declares Fiscal Emergency
State Controller John Chiang is expected to begin issuing $53.3 million in IOUs today after lawmakers missed a deadline to pass a budget plan by the end of the fiscal year. Health services, including Medi-Cal-funded facilities, could receive IOUs. Meanwhile, Gov. Schwarzenegger declared a fiscal emergency and directed lawmakers to focus exclusively on the budget. Los Angeles Times et al.
Workers’ Comp Insurer Plans Exit From California Market
Employers Direct Insurance will stop writing new workers’ compensation policies or renewing existing policies in California beginning Aug. 1. The insurer attributed its decision to rising medical costs, stronger price competition and uncertainty over legislative reforms. San Francisco Business Times.
Suit Challenges Calif. Regulators on Oversight of Autism Coverage
Yesterday, a consumer group filed a lawsuit against the Department of Managed Health Care over a change in policy related to the review of coverage disputes for an autism treatment called applied behavior analysis. Insurers claim ABA is an educational service. San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.
San Joaquin Hospital Opens New Telemedicine Center
Last week, San Joaquin General Hospital launched its new telehealth center, in which patients can undergo two-way interviews and visual examinations from off-site nephrologists and neurologists. Five other facilities are participating in the effort. Stockton Record.
Budget Vote Fails, Lawmakers To Consider New Health Service Cuts
Yesterday, California lawmakers failed to meet the midnight deadline to address the state budget deficit and prevent the state from issuing IOUs. Meanwhile, Gov. Schwarzenegger is pressuring Democratic lawmakers to consider new proposals that would reduce state spending for Healthy Families, Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services. Los Angeles Times et al.
Low-Interest Loan Pool for Safety-Net Clinics Expands to $26 Million
The California HealthCare Foundation and others are contributing to a loan pool to help community health centers stay afloat if the state budget deadlock jeopardizes Medi-Cal payments. Each clinic will be eligible for a maximum $1.5 million loan. San Francisco Business Times.
Ventura County Health Providers Prepare for Cuts
Leaders of health providers in Ventura County have begun preparing for cuts to their programs as legislators debate the state budget. The county already has experienced $9 million in cuts, and health care programs in the county could lose another $13 million. Ventura County Star.