Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial Calls Universal Health Care Plan ‘Utopian’
An Orange County Register editorial calls President Obama and Democratic lawmakers’ plans “to expand coverage to 46 million uninsured, curb costs and improve quality while mandating coverage irrespective of age or preexisting condition … Utopian health care.” Orange County Register.
Physician Visits, Preventive Care Fall Off in Recession
Recent research and anecdotal evidence from health care providers indicate that more people are delaying doctor visits and forgoing regular preventive care, such as mammograms and other cancer screenings. Los Angeles Times, KPCC’s “Air Talk.”
UC-Davis, California Sign Public Health Agreement
Last week, UC-Davis and the California Department of Public Health signed a no-cost, four-year contract to collaborate on the promotion of public health practice, training, education and research. Sacramento Business Journal.
California Language-Assistance Rules Now Apply to PPOs, Others
California has required HMOs to provide interpreters and translated materials to HMO members since January 1, but the requirement did not apply to PPOs and other types of health plans until April 1. As many as one-third of HMO and PPO members could qualify for help under the law. Washington Times.
Supporters of Budget-Related Measures Kick Off Radio Ad Campaign
A committee backing measures on the May 19 special election ballot began airing radio ads urging voters to approve the measures to avoid higher taxes and more cuts to health care and other programs. Two of the measures directly affect health care funding. Sacramento Bee‘s “CapitolAlert,” KQED’s “Capital Notes.”
Mortality Rate for Cardiac Bypass Surgeries Declines in California
California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development is scheduled to release a report today showing a drop in mortality rates for cardiac bypass procedures at California hospitals. The report is the fourth that OSHPD has released as part of an effort to provide more information about health care outcomes in the state. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Women’s Reproductive Health Clinic To Close Its Doors
On Tuesday, Linci Comy, executive director of the Women’s Choice Clinic in Oakland, announced that the clinic is shutting down because of the economic recession and slow Medi-Cal reimbursements from the state. The clinic, which opened in 1972, is said to be the country’s oldest feminist health clinic. Oakland Tribune.
Kaiser Lays Off 70 Northern California Staff Members
On Tuesday, Kaiser Permanente Northern California laid off 70 nonclinical staff due to declining enrollment, according to officials. The cuts do not affect union positions or those providing direct patient care. The managed-care system also is deferring merit raises for nonunion employees, adjusting construction project timelines and reducing staff through attrition. Modern Healthcare.
San Joaquin County OKs Mental Health Services Plan
On Tuesday, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors approved a three-year, $12.5 million plan to create new mental health services designed to improve prevention and intervention of problems associated with mental illness. Stockton Record.
California Health Officials Tout Drop in Tobacco Use
As California celebrated the 20th anniversary of efforts to cut tobacco use, public officials announced that smoking rates had dropped by more than 40% over the past 20 years. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”