Latest California Healthline Stories
San Francisco’s Budget Proposal Would Reduce Health Services Funding
Today, Mayor Gavin Newsom is releasing his proposed fiscal year 2009-2010 budget, which would reduce funding for health worker positions, HIV/AIDS programs and mental health services. The budget does not account for further cuts in state funding. San Francisco Chronicle.
Single-Payer Advocates Push for Inclusion in Reform Debate
Advocates of a single-payer health care system are turning to demonstrations and civil disobedience to get lawmakers’ attention. On Friday, about 200 single-payer proponents held a rally in San Francisco to urge Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to back single-payer legislation and include its supporters in the health reform debate. San Francisco Chronicle.
Cuts to Medi-Cal Dental Program Could Lead to Delays in Seeking Care
California’s decision to end coverage for dental services under Medi-Cal could compel many low-income adults to delay seeking dental care or to seek treatment for dental complications at hospital emergency departments. The cuts go into effect July 1. Modesto Bee.
Kennedy Circulating Reform Plan Resembling Massachusetts Law
Sen. Edward Kennedy is circulating an outline of legislation to overhaul the health care system that would require individuals to maintain coverage and call on employers to share the cost of coverage with workers. Kennedy is expected to introduce the bill Monday. Washington Post et al.
Appropriations Panels OK About Half of Bills Under Consideration
Pointing to the state budget deficit, California’s spending committees put on ice for the year bills that would have cost the state general fund billions of dollars annually. The committee killed a number of health care-related bills, including a plan for a single-payer health system. Sacramento Bee.
Obama Takes Calls for Health Reform Directly to Supporters
President Obama told supporters of his presidential campaign that health care reform must be done this year and urged them to lobby leaders to act on overhaul legislation. The president’s conference call comes before a grassroots campaign kicks off next month. AP/USA Today et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for May 29
Workers at Doctors Medical Center, San Pablo voted to switch unions, and Valley Health System’s board voted to end the hospital district’s management contract with Quorum Health Services. Meanwhile, Rancho Springs Hospital reopened three operating rooms.
Hill Physicians Medical Group Reports $4.4M Loss in 2008
On Thursday, Hill Physicians Medical Group, a San Ramon-based independent practice association, reported a net loss of $4.4 million on $439.6 million in revenue in 2008 because of unrealized investment losses of $7.4 million. In 2007, the group reported $3.4 million in profit on $439.6 million in revenue. San Francisco Business Times.
Proposal Would Scale Back Prison Health Care Plan
On Thursday, state corrections officials and federal receiver J. Clark Kelso have agreed to the framework of an agreement to build two new long-term health care facilities to house 3,400 inmates for $1.9 billion. Kelso’s original plan called for the building of seven medical centers to house 10,000 inmates at a cost of about $6 billion. The agreement could be finalized next week. Sacramento Bee et al.
Union Sues Fresno County Over Health Worker Pay Cut
Service Employees International Union United Healthcare-West has filed a lawsuit against Fresno County to prevent a pay cut for workers who provide in-home care to seniors and people with disabilities. In April, county supervisors voted to cut workers’ overall compensation by $1 an hour in an effort to reflect cuts in state funding. However, SEIU United Healthcare-West argues that the wage cut is illegal. Fresno Bee.