Latest California Healthline Stories
Opinion: Workers’ Comp Reform ‘Failed Californians’
In an opinion piece, Todd McFarren, president of California Applicants Attorneys Association, argues that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s workers’ compensation reform “has failed Californians who are injured on the job.” He writes, “While SB 899 has delivered billions in savings to employers and tens of billions in record-high profits to insurance companies, it has plunged tens of thousands of working Californians into pain, misery, poverty and despair.” Capitol Weekly.
Computer Worm Hits Hospital Medical Devices, Experts Say
A computer worm, called Conficker, has compromised hundreds of medical devices at dozens of hospitals in the U.S. and other countries, according to technologists monitoring the threat. The computer worm has not harmed any patients but poses a potential threat to hospital operations, according to experts. San Jose Mercury News.
Republican Leaders Say Budget Cuts Loom if Ballot Measures Fail
Dennis Hollingsworth, the Republican leader in the California Senate, said that his caucus will present plans for widespread budget cuts if voters reject the budget-related measures on the special election ballot. Meanwhile, a Field Poll shows that most Californians don’t back cuts to health care programs. Sacramento Bee et al.
L.A. Charter School Workers Face Choice on Retiree Health Benefits
The Los Angeles Unified School District is dropping an option that let some charter schools buy into the district’s health benefits program. The move is forcing charter school staff to find jobs at traditional LAUSD schools or lose the district’s lifetime retiree health benefits. Eligible workers also can retire now. Los Angeles Times.
Calif. Hospital Challenges Review of Medicare Payments
Last month, Palomar Medical Center in Escondido filed a complaint asserting that HHS’ Recovery Audit Contractor violates federal rules that require “good cause” for reopening and reviewing claims more than a year after payment. RAC aims to recover Medicare overpayments to hospitals. HealthLeaders Media.
Budget Plan Wins OK From Congress, Sets Up Action on Health Reform
Both houses of Congress approved a budget resolution that would let Congress approve health care reform legislation through the budget reconciliation process if bipartisan legislation fails. Senate committees with jurisdiction over health care aim to have legislation ready by June. Wall Street Journal et al.
Orange County Restores Planned Parenthood Grant
Following the advice of Orange County lawyers, Orange County Supervisors on Tuesday agreed to restore funding to Planned Parenthood for sex education. However, the supervisors also adopted new policies that will restrict the use of tobacco settlement funding at community clinics to direct health services, rather than health education. Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register.
Governor Declares State of Emergency for Swine Flu
On Tuesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency over the swine flu outbreak. Meanwhile, President Obama asked Congress for an additional $1.5 billion to address the outbreak. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Business Journal.
Opinion: Unsafe To Cut Care to Undocumented Immigrants
In a letter to the editor, Steven Wallace, associate director of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, argued that because “some counties are barring undocumented immigrants from all but emergency health care to save money,” workers with flu symptoms “will be discouraged from seeking care.” Los Angeles Times.
Sebelius Sworn in as HHS Chief After Winning Senate Confirmation
After being sworn in, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius received a briefing on the swine flu emergency, her first focus in her new job. President Obama’s effort to overhaul the U.S. health care system also will be a key area of focus for Sebelius. Politico et al.