Latest California Healthline Stories
Recession Pushes More California Women To Seek Services at Clinics
Planned Parenthood clinics in Los Angeles County are reporting a 15% increase in patient cases since last year, and family planning agencies and other clinic operators say they are fielding more requests for contraception and abortions as women lose jobs and health insurance coverage. Los Angeles Times.
Yolo County Cuts Funds for Undocumented Immigrants’ Health Care
Yolo County became the latest county in California to cut funding for health care services for undocumented immigrants. Earlier this month, county supervisors postponed the vote in hopes of negotiating a deal with local hospitals to help fund community clinics. Sacramento Bee.
New Effort Credited With Helping Hospitals in L.A. County With Homeless
A recuperative care program for homeless patients has saved hospitals about $3 million in its first year of operation. A new Los Angeles city ordinance targets so-called “patient dumping” and imposes stiff fines on hospitals charged with the practice. HealthLeaders Media.
San Francisco Health Department Set To Outline Budget Cuts
San Francisco’s Health Commission is scheduled to get the details on how the Department of Public Health proposes to cut at least $140 million from its budget. Separately, Mayor Gavin Newsom is pushing for a new fee on cigarettes. San Francisco Chronicle, New York Times.
Hamburg Confirmed by Senate as FDA Commissioner
On Monday, the Senate voted to approve Margaret Hamburg, former New York City health commissioner, as FDA commissioner. At her confirmation hearing, Hamburg said she would push to improve the safety of medical products and food. Reuters.
Supreme Court Lets State Medical Marijuana Law Stand
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected appeals from San Diego and San Bernardino counties objecting to the state’s 13-year-old medical marijuana law. The counties have refused to issue identification cards required under the state law since 2004, arguing that the state’s authorization for using medical marijuana conflicted with the federal government’s zero-tolerance policy. Los Angeles Times et al.
California Efforts To Win Health IT Funds Backed by Foundation
The California HealthCare Foundation is providing matching funds to let California apply for funding for health care information technology projects included in the federal economic stimulus package. Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Senate Finance Panel Paper Outlines Options To Fund Health Reform
At a meeting Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to discuss the ideas detailed in the paper, including revisiting the tax exemption for employer-sponsored health benefits and changes to Medicare. The Hill et al.
California Voters Head to Polls; Lawmakers Gear Up for Budget
Turnout is expected to be low in today’s special election, which includes measures that would shift funds from special accounts for mental health services and early childhood health care and education. A joint legislative budget committee is set to begin meeting Thursday to hash out a plan to deal with California’s multibillion dollar budget deficit. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Blue Shield Foundation To Award $8.5M in Q2 Grants
On Monday, the Blue Shield of California Foundation announced that it is awarding nearly $8.5 million to not-for-profit groups in the state in the second quarter. The grants will include up to $7.5 million to support California’s safety-net health clinics. San Francisco Business Times.