Latest California Healthline Stories
Obama Pitches Public Plan as Part of Health Care Reform Proposal
Speaking in Wisconsin, President Obama said a government-run health plan would help foster competition in the health insurance arena. Obama said that he would outline additional proposals for cost savings in the coming days but added that more revenue would be needed to fund health reform. Washington Post et al.
Advocates: Rescind Tax Breaks Before Cutting Health, Other Services
On Thursday, 75 advocacy groups sent a letter urging California lawmakers to repeal corporate tax breaks before cutting health care and other programs. Meanwhile, Assembly Democrats are negotiating their approach to the state budget. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” Sacramento Bee.
Court To Hear Lawsuit Challenging Medi-Cal Cuts at Some Clinics
A Sacramento County Superior Court is set to hear a lawsuit today challenging the state’s authority to terminate Medi-Cal reimbursements for dental and other services provided at rural health clinics and other community health centers. Riverside Press-Enterprise, San Francisco Chronicle.
Editorial: Ruling Offers San Diego Help on Retiree Costs
A ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals “offers real hope that the city can get out from under” the $1.2 billion unfunded liability for retiree health care benefits, an editorial states. It advocates for a “prepaid health insurance program backed by an actuarially sound trust fund, which workers would contribute to through payroll deductions.” San Diego Union-Tribune.
Medical Specialists Could Benefit From Other Staff
Specialists in gastroenterology, orthopedics and dermatology could reduce patient wait times and improve their practices’ bottom lines by employing physician assistants and nurse practitioners to treat patients, a California HealthCare Foundation study found. However, the study found that not all states’ laws would allow the practice. HealthLeaders Media.
American Medical Association Clarifies Stance on Public Plan
Leaders of the American Medical Association told senators they were interested in a proposal that would establish publicly owned insurance cooperatives. AMA’s president said the group would oppose a public plan that expanded Medicare or paid Medicare rates. CongressDaily et al.
Calif. Physicians Welcome Medicare Payment Bills
Physicians from 14 California counties and the California Medical Association voiced support for bills Rep. Sam Farr and Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced Thursday that aim to address payment disparities among California counties. The legislation would not apply to physicians in other states. HealthLeaders Media.
Kaiser Permanente Reaches Agreement With Pharmacists
Kaiser Permanente and the union representing pharmacists at its Northern California facilities have reached a tentative agreement on wage increases, ending plans for a scheduled strike. Details of the agreement were not released. Sacramento Bee.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of June 12, 2009
Clovis officials are reviewing a 10-year expansion plan for Clovis Community Medical Center, and Lodi Memorial Hospital announced plans to reduce employee benefits. In other news, St. Rose Hospital will begin an expansion project after securing funding.
Governor, Democratic Lawmakers Face Off on Budget Proposals
Yesterday, Gov. Schwarzenegger called the Senate Democrats’ budget plan “irresponsible” for suggesting that the state use reserve funds to preserve programs such as Healthy Families. Meanwhile, Assembly Democrats are looking into ways to raise revenue. Los Angeles Times et al.