Latest California Healthline Stories
Democrats’ Budget Plan Unlikely To Pass During Vote in Legislature
Today, the California Legislature is expected to vote on a budget plan developed by Democratic lawmakers that does not eliminate Healthy Families. The proposal is likely to fail because Republicans and Gov. Schwarzenegger oppose certain provisions to raise taxes and ease spending cuts. Sacramento Bee et al.
SEIU Mounts Offensive Against New California Health Workers Union
A battle is heating up between the Service Employees International Union and the National Union of Healthcare Workers, a rival union headed by former leaders of an SEIU local. SEIU currently is challenging labor elections at health care facilities. Los Angeles Times.
President Defends Public Plan as Part of Health Care Reform
At a news conference yesterday, President Obama said he believes a public health plan would help control health care costs and expand coverage. Obama said there will be “some healthy debate” about how such a plan should be crafted, but the president did not say he would oppose legislation that does not create a public plan. New York Times et al.
Opinion: MRMIP System Lacks Funds, Is ‘Anemic’
The California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program, which is intended as last-resort coverage for people who have been rejected for private coverage, is “anemic” because it only has funds to cover 7,100 state residents and caps its benefits at $75,000 annually, columnist David Lazarus argues. Los Angeles Times.
Journal Critical of Governor in Efforts to Sell State Fund
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his staff have intentionally been keeping the state Department of Insurance and the state Attorney General’s office out of talks on the potential sale of a portion of the State Compensation Insurance Fund for $1 billion, according to a report by the trade journal Workers’ Comp Executive. San Francisco Business Times.
Planned Parenthood Clinic Receives No Funding From OC
Orange County supervisors did not include Planned Parenthood in a list of 19 community clinics that received $4.4 million in tobacco settlement revenue grants, ending debate over whether the county should fund a clinic that provides abortions. Orange County Register.
Budget Pressure Forces Cuts in Massachusetts Health Insurance Efforts
A 2006 law requires Massachusetts residents to maintain health coverage, but budget pressures are necessitating cuts to a program that subsidizes low-income residents’ premiums. The state treasurer called Massachusetts’ experience a warning for national health care reform efforts. Boston Globe.
Deal With Drugmakers Prompts Questions About Federal Savings
Yesterday, President Obama praised an agreement that will have pharmaceutical companies reduce Medicare beneficiaries’ prescription drug costs when they reach the so-called “doughnut hole” coverage gap. Media reports are questioning whether the arrangement will provide significant savings that the federal government can apply toward the cost of health care reform. New York Times et al.
L.A. County Officials Hope To Get Sponsor for Condom Bill
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is seeking a state lawmaker to sponsor a bill requiring condom use in adult films made in the state, after a performer tested positive for HIV earlier this month. The board has been rejected by 19 legislators since it began seeking a sponsor late last year. Capitol Weekly.
Oral Health Advocates Push for Reform Effort To Include Dental Care
Oral health advocates point to statistics indicating that poor oral health contributes to complications from chronic disease and affects pregnancy outcomes. A reform proposal under consideration in the Senate includes provisions for dental care. Washington Post.