Latest California Healthline Stories
New Effort Aims To Train More Allied Health Workers in California
Gov. Schwarzenegger announced a project that aims to take on California’s shortage of allied health care workers by spending $32 million over three years to expand training opportunities. Funding will come from the federal government and private sources, like schools and hospitals. Fresno Bee et al.
State Health Chief Talks Up Reform in Radio Address
In Gov. Schwarzenegger’s weekly radio address, Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Belshé talked about the White House Forum on Health Reform in Los Angeles this week and said that “coalition building” is key to achieving health care reform nationwide. Office of the Governor release.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of April 13
The Georgia insurance commissioner has called on 18 insurers to explain how they determine payments for out-of-network care. Meanwhile, Mississippi legislators have rejected efforts to repeal a rule that requires Medicaid beneficiaries to renew their enrollment in person.
San Diego Studies Shift to Defined-Contribution for Retiree Health Care
The San Diego City Council is scheduled to consider a proposal by the mayor to adopt a defined-contribution plan for retiree health care benefits. If the city council OKs the change, a lawsuit likely will be filed. Voice of San Diego, San Diego Union-Tribune.
Economic Recession Affecting Growth in Health Care Jobs
Although the health care industry is one of a few to continue to add jobs, the recession has begun to affect the pace of job growth. Hospitals have had to contend with more uninsured patients, investment losses and fewer elective surgeries as consumers change their spending habits. Wall Street Journal.
California Hospitals Face Financial Strains
An increase in uninsured patients is putting a strain on hospitals’ finances. Meanwhile, state hospitals’ investment portfolios have been hurt by the floundering financial markets and credit freezes are making it difficult for hospitals to find loans. Eureka Times Standard.
States Cut Funding for Safety Net Health Care Programs
Most states are cutting social safety net programs because of the recession and widespread budget deficits. However, officials say many of those preventive care services could save money over time. For example, California has ended dental coverage for adult Medicaid beneficiaries. New York Times.
Unemployed Put Off Medical Care, Elective Procedures
Unemployed San Joaquin County residents who have lost their health care coverage are putting off health care needs and elective medical treatments. The county’s 15.8% unemployment rate is expected to peak at 18% during the economic recession, according to University of the Pacific economist Jeff Michael. Stockton Record.
Hospitals Challenge Anthem Blue Cross Over Member Direct Pay
Under the insurer’s “member direct pay policy,” Anthem Blue Cross issues checks directly to health plan members for care they receive at out-of-network facilities. Hospitals maintain that the policy lets Anthem arbitrarily decide what it will pay for the services. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Asians Face Higher Cancer Mortality Rate, Study Finds
Asians in California die from cancer at a higher rate than any other ethnicity, according to a first-of-its-kind report from the California Asian Pacific Islander Joint Legislative Caucus. The report also found that one-third of all Korean Americans are uninsured. The report is based on data from 25 ethnic groups. San Bernardino Sun.