Latest California Healthline Stories
Reform ‘Alternatives’ Win Backing of American Medical Association
The American Medical Association voted to support approaches to reforming the nation’s health care system that bolster competition among private insurers and aim to achieve universal access to care. President Obama addressed AMA Monday. Chicago Tribune et al.
Newsom Cites Healthy S.F. as Model in Campaign Speech
In a speech to the San Jose Rotary Club Wednesday, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, a gubernatorial candidate for the 2010 election, said the city could be a model of reform for the rest of the state, including its Healthy San Francisco program, which he said provides quality care at an affordable price. San Jose Mercury News.
Budget Vote on Tap, Republicans Pledge To Block Tax Increases
Yesterday, Democrats in a joint legislative committee said lawmakers should expect to vote on their budget proposal early next week. Gov. Schwarzenegger and Republican lawmakers have said they oppose the tax increases included in the Democrats’ plan. Orange County Register et al.
Senate Finance Panel Delays Action on Reform Bill To Address Cost
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the Senate Finance Committee’s health care reform bill would cost $1.6 trillion over 10 years, pushing committee leaders to delay a mark up of the bill while they work to reduce the price tag to less than $1 trillion. Roll Call et al.
CalPERS Teams Up With Industry on E-Prescribing
CalPERS has partnered with Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California and Medco Health Solutions to help hospitals, physicians and other providers implement an electronic prescribing system pilot program in an attempt to reduce costs and improve patient safety. Fresno Business Journal, Healthcare IT News.
State Launches Investigation of Adult Entertainment Clinic
On Wednesday, California health officials performed a surprise inspection of the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation, which had been withholding the name of the production company that filmed a woman who had tested positive for HIV. The officials also plan to issue subpoenas seeking information on the 18 other HIV cases the clinic has reported to Los Angeles County since 2004. Los Angeles Times.
Field Poll Finds Californians Back Reform, Divided Over Funding
A new Field Poll finds bipartisan support among California voters for various proposals to overhaul the U.S. health care system. However, Democrats tend to favor raising taxes to pay for reform, while Republicans oppose such measures. Among all survey respondents, 85% said they support a public health insurance plan. San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Bee.
Sacramento County Cuts Reduce Access to Clinics
Cuts to health services in Sacramento County have resulted in the number of clinics that provide services to low-income residents from six in 2007 to two and a half, while demand for the clinics has risen by about 10% because of the recession. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Finance Panel’s Reform Plan Expected to Cost $1.6 Trillion, CBO Says
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Senate Finance Committee’s plan would reduce the number of uninsured Americans by about 40 million at a cost of about $1.6 trillion over 10 years. The panel’s chair said the estimate is not accurate because changes have been made to the plan. Wall Street Journal et al.
Judge Gives State 15 Days To Sign Prison Health Care Pact
On Tuesday, a federal judge gave Gov. Schwarzenegger’s administration 15 days to sign a tentative agreement that would end a series of lawsuits over allegedly inadequate health care in the state prison system. The judge also said the state would have three months to develop an alternative plan if it does not sign the agreement. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.