Latest California Healthline Stories
Many With Health Insurance Bankrupted by Health Issues
Many U.S. residents have limited health insurance plans that would not prevent several financial hardships in the event of a medical crisis. An estimated 75% of U.S. residents who were forced to declare personal bankruptcy as a result of a medical issue had health coverage at the time of the incident. New York Times.
Wal-Mart Agrees To Back Employer Mandate in Health Reform Efforts
In a letter to President Obama, Wal-Mart CEO Michael Duke, SEIU President Andy Stern and Center for American Progress chief John Podesta backed a requirement for businesses to provide coverage to workers. Wal-Mart is the largest private employer in the U.S. Washington Post et al.
U.S. Panel Lists Priorities for Comparative Effectiveness Research
A new report from an Institute of Medicine Panel identified 100 priority research areas as the Obama administration releases funding for comparative effectiveness research. The federal economic stimulus package provides $1.1 billion for such research. New York Times et al.
State Commission Votes To Cut State Officials’ Benefits
Citing the state budget situation, the Citizens Compensation Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously to reduce state legislators’ benefits, including health insurance, by 18% beginning Dec. 1. In May, the commission voted to reduce state officials’ salaries. Ventura County Star, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
California Clinics Set To Receive $109M From Latest Stimulus Round
First lady Michelle Obama announced the latest round of stimulus grants, totaling $851 million for health centers and job training programs nationwide. California clinics have received $63 million in stimulus funds since President Obama signed the law in February. San Francisco Chronicle.
‘Frequent Fliers’ Challenge Attempts To Control Costs
Patients who are continually readmitted to hospitals for complications from chronic diseases, whom physicians call “frequent fliers,” exemplify the challenges faced by hospitals, doctors and those attempting to control health care costs. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.
Enrollment Freeze for Healthy Families Set To Begin on July 17
Yesterday, the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board voted to freeze enrollment for Healthy Families beginning July 17. Advocates are hoping that the state First 5 Commission will help provide funds to keep enrollment in Healthy Families open. Ventura County Star, Los Angeles Times.
San Diego County First 5 Commission Rewrites Bylaws
On Monday, the First 5 Commission of San Diego County reworked its bylaws to avoid potential conflicts of interest in grant awards. The new rules will take effect no later than October 1. First 5 administers funds from a state tobacco tax increase for early childhood health care and education efforts. San Diego Union-Tribune.
California One of 12 States To Report Continued Flu Activity
California is one of 12 states that still have widespread cases of influenza, many of which involve the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu. Contra Costa Times.
Sacramento Group Seeking To End New Cases of HIV by 2014
Sacramento-based not-for-profit Center for AIDS Research and Services has launched a $3 million, five-year program that seeks to end all new cases of HIV in the city by 2014 by setting a goal of testing all city residents. Sacramento Business Journal.