Latest California Healthline Stories
Sacramento Grand Jury Criticizes In-Home Health Services Program
A Sacramento County grand jury report alleges that the county’s In-Home Supportive Services program lacks adequate safeguards against fraud and does not properly screen caregivers. The program provides in-home health care services to certain county residents. Sacramento Bee.
Bill Would Require Health Policies To Cover Maternity
A significant increase in individual health insurance policies that specifically exclude maternity benefits has prompted Assembly member Hector De La Torre to introduce a bill that would require all health insurance policies regulated by the California Department of Insurance to include maternity benefits. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed two similar measures. San Francisco Chronicle.
Journal Looks at Lessons From California’s Failed Health Reform Efforts
Three papers published on the Health Affairs Web site look at how failed health care reform efforts in California can provide important lessons for future state and federal health reform initiatives. The papers are based on research supported by the California HealthCare Foundation. Health Affairs.
Some S.F. Restaurants Against Suit Over Health Access Law
Despite a lawsuit by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association seeking to overturn a provision of the Healthy San Francisco program that requires employers in the city to share the cost of employees’ health care, some restaurants say they support the health care law. San Francisco Chronicle.
Hollywood Union OKs Contract, Health Benefit Cuts
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees approved a new three-year contract that includes cuts in health and pension benefits. It also includes a provision that increases the number of hours a member must work every six months to maintain health insurance coverage from 300 to 400. Los Angeles Times.
1 in 5 U.S. Workers Uninsured, RWJF Study Finds
A study released Tuesday by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that one in five U.S. workers is uninsured, up from fewer than one in seven in the mid-1990s. California is one of 14 states where 20% or more of the working age population is uninsured. AP/Washington Post.
Editorial: Health Costs Reason for Workers’ Comp Issues
A San Jose Mercury News editorial argues that “skyrocketing medical costs are the reason” a state advisory board recommended a 24.4% rate increase for workers’ compensation insurance. The editorial states that “without comprehensive health care reform, it’s hard to see that trend reversing.” San Jose Mercury News.
Community Clinics Face Larger Patient Load, Less Funding
The economic recession has led to an increase in demand at community clinics in California. However, the influx of patients comes at a time when clinics are facing a decline in funding from private donors and local and state governments. Some clinics are hoping to receive relief in the form of federal stimulus funding. Los Angeles Times.
California Hospitals Gain Access to $27M in Federal Stimulus Funds
HHS has made available $26.9 million to California hospitals that serve a disproportionate number of low-income or uninsured patients. The stimulus package increases funding for so-called DSH facilities from $11.06 billion to $11.33 billion in 2009. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Health Services Cuts
Last week, California lawmakers heard testimony about potential budget cuts that could affect health care access for low-income residents in the state. One program that might be affected provides health care to nearly 500,000 low-income seniors. KQED’s “California Report.”