Latest California Healthline Stories
Federal Judge Blocks 5% Cut to Medi-Cal Reimbursement Rates
A federal judge ruled that state officials and lawmakers failed to prove that a 5% cut in Medi-Cal payments to pharmacies and some other health care providers would not harm beneficiaries. The payment cuts would have saved the state about $92 million. San Francisco Chronicle.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for February 2009
David Bailey announced that he will retire as vice chancellor for health affairs at UC-Irvine in July. San Francisco General Hospital also will see a change in leadership, as Gene Marie O’Connell will step down as CEO this month.
President Obama’s Health Care Reform Efforts To Face Challenges
Concerns about some of the health care-related provisions of President Obama’s fiscal year 2010 budget proposal indicate that overhauling the U.S. health care system could be difficult. On Thursday, Obama will host a White House summit on health care. CongressDaily et al.
Mental Health Advocates Fight To Defeat Reallocation of Funds
Mental health advocates are gearing up efforts to defeat a proposition that would allow the state to use $460 million allocated to mental health programs under Proposition 63 for a federally mandated mental health program for low-income children. If voters reject the measure in a May 19 special election, the governor and state lawmakers will have to restart budget negotiations. Ventura County Star.
Blue Shield of California Foundation Awards Funds for Kids’ Coverage
In its latest round of grants, the Blue Shield of California Foundation awarded $7.75 million to Healthy Kids programs statewide. Overall, the foundation announced more than $10 million in grants, including funds to boost public participation in the health care reform debate. San Francisco Business Times.
President’s Budget Outline Calls for Big Changes to Health Care
The budget outline President Obama released yesterday includes a reserve fund to help finance health care reform, as well as more than $450 million for Medicare and almost $300 million for Medicaid. Media reports say the proposal marks a push toward universal coverage in the U.S. New York Times et al.
Obama Administration Plans To Rescind ‘Conscience’ Rule
On Friday, President Obama will move to repeal the so-called “conscience” rule that allows health care workers to deny abortion counseling or other family planning services because of their moral beliefs, according to administration officials. The Bush administration announced the controversial rule late last year in one of its final policy initiatives. Los Angeles Times.
Schwarzenegger Stumps for Ballot Measures
On Thursday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger launched a campaign to persuade voters to approve ballot measures, including two health care measures, needed to fund the state budget he signed last week. Voters will vote on the five ballot measures in a May 19 special election. San Francisco Chronicle.
Report Faults Orange County Health Program for Inmates
The Orange County Health Care Agency mismanaged a $36 million program that provides health care to jail inmates, according to an internal report. The report charges the program with poor administration, soaring costs and conflicts of interest. Orange County Register.
New Union Pushes for Vote at Kaiser Facilities, Aims To Replace SEIU
Thousands of Kaiser Permanente workers have signed petitions calling for a vote on whether to drop the Service Employees International Union as its union. The move comes after SEIU took over the United Healthcare Workers-West and replaced its leadership. San Francisco Chronicle et al.