Latest California Healthline Stories
Farr Says Health Reform Bill Will Address Calif. Medicare Rate Gaps
U.S. Rep. Sam Farr said his proposal to address Medicare rate disparities among some California counties likely will be included in larger national health care legislation. The measure would increase the state’s Medicare endowment by $50 million. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Home Care Workers Vote To Stay With SEIU
On Friday, home care workers employed by the Fresno County Public Authority voted to remain with the Service Employees International Union Healthcare Workers-West, but representatives from the other union choice, the National Union of Healthcare Workers, have asked for a recount and will contest the election. Fresno Bee.
Drugmakers Agree To Lower Drug Prices for Medicare Beneficiaries
Pharmaceutical firms will reduce prescription drug costs by $80 billion for low- and middle-income Medicare beneficiaries who reach the coverage gap in the Medicare drug benefit. President Obama hailed the deal as an important part of health care reform efforts. Washington Post et al.
Two Ambulance Firms Vie for Monterey County Contract
Ambulance companies American Medical Response and Medic Ambulance will be the only companies permitted to bid on a contract to provide services to Monterey County after they were the only companies to meet the county’s deadline last week. AMR is currently providing services under a temporary contract that expires on Dec. 1, 2009. Monterey County Herald.
Santa Clara County Board Approves Budget, Cuts
On Friday, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the county’s fiscal year 2010 budget, which closed a $273 million deficit and included cuts to the county health department’s nursing staff, mental health services for uninsured children and adults, and substance abuse treatment programs. San Jose Mercury News.
HHS Releases Round of Funding To Expand Kids’ Health Insurance Effort
So far, HHS has released more than $7 billion in new funds under the reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program that President Obama signed in February. Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating California’s version of the program. HealthLeaders Media.
Calif. Health Programs Still Face Major Cuts Under Democrats’ Plan
Advocates say the budget proposed by Democratic lawmakers could significantly weaken state health and eldercare services, although not to the same degree as the plan put forth by Gov. Schwarzenegger. The state stands to lose federal funds under both proposals. San Jose Mercury News et al.
White House Restates Focus on Passing Health Reform This Year
Officials in President Obama’s administration this week said the president is committed to overhauling the health care system this year. Legislative proposals encountered some bumps this week after the Congressional Budget Office projected that costs would be higher than expected. The Hill et al.
L.A. County Officials Chided Over HIV in Adult Performers
The Los Angeles County Public Health Department is being questioned about why it had not investigated 18 cases of HIV reported by the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation. Clinic officials have said that the cases did not become public because they were in aspiring actors who did not enter the profession or in non-performers who used the clinic’s services. Los Angeles Times.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of June 19, 2009
State officials approved Mission Hospital’s bid to acquire South Coast Medical Center, and Sutter Health has announced its intention to stop operating San Leandro Hospital at the end of September. Meanwhile, nurses at Shasta Regional Medical Center voted to drop their union.