Latest California Healthline Stories
Panel Proposes Reducing Cuts to Home Care, Imposing New Taxes
Yesterday, a joint legislative panel voted in favor of a budget plan that would reduce cuts to In-Home Support Services programs and raise cigarette taxes and other fees. Committee members voted along party lines for the proposals, with Democrats in the majority. The panel is expected to release a more complete budget outline today. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
CalPERS Panel Approves Lower Hike for Public Workers’ HMO Premiums
On Tuesday, a CalPERS committee approved a plan to raise HMO premiums for state workers by the lowest rate increase in 14 years. PPO rates also are set to rise. The full Board of Administration is scheduled to vote on the rates today. Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento Bee.
Three Calif. Medical Schools Earn A in Ethics Report
The medical schools at the University of California-San Francisco, UCLA and UC-Davis all earned an A grade from the American Medical Student Association for their conflict-of-interest rules. UC-San Diego, UC-Irvine and Stanford University all received a B on the report. San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Business Journal.
U.S. Senator Pushes for Review of UCSF Finances
Sen. Chuck Grassley has asked UC-San Francisco to provide the Senate Finance Committee with documentation about federal research funding it has received over the past five years and details from an external audit. The case was sparked by concerns about the financial circumstances of UCSF Medical School. Los Angeles Times.
Insurance Executives Tell House Panel They Won’t Limit Rescissions
A House subcommittee investigation found that health insurers WellPoint, UnitedHealth and Assurant rescinded coverage for more than 20,000 people over a five-year period. One company official said the practice is needed to combat fraud. Los Angeles Times, CQ HealthBeat.
S.F. Supervisors Move Interim Funds to Health Services
Responding to protests from low-income residents, and health care and social workers on Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved moving $82 million in the interim budget intended for public safety departments to health, human services and recreation programs. The interim budget ensures city services continue during the period after the new fiscal year begins on July 1 and the supervisors approve the final budget. San Francisco Chronicle.
San Jose City Council OKs Health Cost-Sharing in Budget
On Tuesday, the San Jose City Council voted 9-0 to approve an $880 million budget that includes a health care cost-sharing provision for the city’s 839-member operating engineers union. Union members will now pay 10% of their health care premiums, $10 copayments for doctor visits and an additional $4.85 weekly for retirement health benefits. San Jose Mercury News.
Stanford Medical School Gets $6.9M From Stimulus
On Tuesday, the Stanford University Medical School said it will receive $6.9 million from the federal stimulus package to go forward on 18 projects that had been delayed because of funding shortfalls at NIH. San Francisco Business Times.
UC-Berkeley Reports Call for Employer-Based Health Reform Efforts
Two new studies by researchers at UC-Berkeley urge employers to provide health benefits for their employees or pay into a public insurance fund. The reports accompany a petition urging the federal government to move swiftly to overhaul the health care system. Sacramento Bee.
Workers’ Comp Insurers Report Rate Increases
Proposed rate increases filed by workers’ compensation insurers have varied widely. One insurer, Employers Direct Insurance, has filed for a 33.9% increase, while another, Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, has proposed keeping its rates the same. Sacramento Business Journal.