Latest California Healthline Stories
Orange County Rejects Funding Request for Clinic
The Orange County Health Care Agency has rejected Planned Parenthood’s application for a breast care clinic for the uninsured. Planned Parenthood was seeking part of about $4.5 million in tobacco settlement grant funding made available for direct clinical care. Orange County Register‘s “Healthy Living.”
County Cuts Expected To Hurt Immigrants’ Access to Care
To deal with their budget challenges, three counties in Northern California have cut off funding for nonemergency care for undocumented immigrants. Public health officials and clinic operators worry that the decisions could compromise public health. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Research Finds Nearly One Million Californians Cross Border for Health
A study by UCLA’s Center for Health Policy Research indicates that almost one million adult Californians went to Mexico for medical care, prescription drugs or other health care services in 2001. Researchers say the number has probably increased. Sacramento Bee, San Diego Union-Tribune.
Kaiser Permanente To Dole Out $240,000 in Grants
In June, Kaiser Permanente will award $240,000 in grants to not-for-profit health and human services groups in Ventura County and West San Fernando Valley. Ventura County Star.
California Doctors Lobby To Increase Support for Primary Care Physicians
Fewer medical students are pursuing careers in primary care because they say such doctors often are overburdened and underpaid. A bill before Congress would provide loan assistance and scholarships for primary care physicians. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Lawmakers Get More Details on Schwarzenegger Budget Plan
Senators and Assembly members got an update on Gov. Schwarzenegger’s plan to balance the state budget yesterday, sparking concerns from some Democrats about the extent of the proposed cuts. The governor has proposed eliminating Healthy Families, ending some Medi-Cal benefits and reducing state support for HIV/AIDS programs. Sacramento Bee et al.
Medi-Cal Cuts Force Layoffs at Delta Dental of California
On Tuesday, officials announced that Delta Dental of California will cut 93 full-time jobs at its offices in Rancho Cordova because of the loss of state funding for Medi-Cal adult dental benefits. Sacramento Business Journal.
UC-San Francisco Hosts NIH Meeting on Women’s Health
Today, UC-San Francisco is hosting a public meeting with NIH that will give area scientists and health care advocates an opportunity to help direct the future of federal funding for women’s health research. San Francisco is one of four cities nationwide hosting such meetings. San Francisco Chronicle, KQED’s “Forum.”
Community Health Centers Get Boost From Federal Stimulus Funds
The economic stimulus package that President Obama signed in February included about $20 billion for clinics to maintain and expand health care services. The money is especially helpful as states cut back funding to the facilities. PBS’ “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.”
Effort To Control Health Costs Sparks Concerns on Antitrust Violations
Industry groups working with the Obama administration to find ways to reduce health care cost increases are voicing concerns that they might run afoul of federal antitrust laws. Meanwhile, plans for a value-added tax to fund health reform are winning support on Capitol Hill. New York Times, Washington Post.