Latest California Healthline Stories
Opinion Pieces Urge Voters To Reject Propositions 1D, 1E
A San Diego Union-Tribune editorial urges voters to reject Proposition 1D and Proposition 1E, which would shift funding from children’s health and mental health programs. Meanwhile, in an opinion piece, Steve Bennett — a Ventura County supervisor and First 5 Ventura County commissioner — urges Californians to vote no on Proposition 1D. San Diego Union-Tribune, Ventura County Star.
Schwarzenegger Highlights Role of Health Care Industry
In his keynote address at AltaMed’s National Healthcare Reform Policy Forum on Friday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger discussed the important role the health care industry, especially community clinics, plays in our health and economy. Office of the Governor release.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation for the Week of May 4
The Florida House moved ahead with legislation intended to protect against Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Meanwhile, an Idaho judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the state from implementing Medicaid cuts as scheduled.
Wal-Mart Expands Rx Drug Program for Businesses
Wal-Mart is expanding a pilot prescription-drug program for businesses, increasing competition among pharmacy retailers to change the way drugs are priced and sold. The increased completion could challenge the role pharmacy-benefit managers have played. Wall Street Journal.
Flu Pushes Santa Clara County Leaders To Rethink Health Cuts
The H1N1 flu outbreak has caused some Santa Clara County supervisors to reconsider budget cuts that could push the county public health department to eliminate almost half of its nurse staff positions. The flu outbreak also is hitting public health labs hard in California. San Jose Mercury News et al.
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation To Award Grants
The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation will provide grants worth up to $5,000 to families in need of financial support for children’s health care treatment, services or equipment not covered by insurance. To qualify, families must be enrolled in employer-sponsored health coverage or an individual health insurance policy. Visalia Times-Delta.
Assembly Member Pushes for Change to Blood-Donation Rules
FDA has prohibited men who have sex with men from donating blood since 1985 because of concerns about HIV. San Francisco Democrat Tom Ammiano has introduced a resolution that calls on the agency to drop the ban, arguing that the policy is outdated. Capitol Weekly.
Most California Counties Get ‘F’ on Air Quality Report Card
Two-thirds of California counties — mostly groups in Southern California and the Central Valley — received an “F” for their levels of smog and soot, according to a new report card from the American Lung Association. Meanwhile, 16 counties — include San Mateo, Santa Cruz and San Francisco — received an “A” in the report card. San Jose Mercury News, New America Media.
Opinion Pieces Mull Options if Ballot Measures Fail
A Contra Costa Times editorial argues that a recent Field Poll that found that five of the six propositions up for vote in the May 19 special election are losing by substantial margins “should have set off a loud alarm in Sacramento, but we have yet to hear any ringing.” Meanwhile, Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Walters writes that if the ballot measures fail, “Wholesale slaughter of state spending may be their only option. This is a pivotal point in California political history, a fiscal Armageddon.” Contra Costa Times, Sacramento Bee.
President Uses Personal Experience To Frame Talk of Health Reform
In an interview, President Obama discussed a hip replacement operation his late grandmother underwent shortly before her death as an example of costly health care procedures patients undergo toward the end of their lives. Critics of Obama’s health care plan say the example raises questions about rationing. New York Times.