Latest California Healthline Stories
Cancer Society Pushes For Boost in State’s Cigarette Tax
The American Cancer Society is pushing for an increase in California’s cigarette tax. The state’s cigarette tax, the 31st highest in the country, stands at 87 cents a pack. According to the American Cancer Society, the national average for cigarette tax is $1.20, with New York’s cigarette tax as high as $2.75. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Obama Set To Release $15 Billion to State Medicaid Programs
President Obama told governors that Medicaid funding included in the federal economic stimulus package will be delivered to states beginning Wednesday. California is set to receive $1.99 billion in the first disbursement, second only to New York state. Meanwhile, funds in the stimulus for comparative effectiveness research continue to spark controversy. Omaha World-Herald et al.
Budget Prompts Questions on Health Care Reform
Last week, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed a budget that includes cuts to health care programs and other services to seniors and people with disabilities, raising questions about prospects for health care reform in the last two years of his term. KQED’s “KQED Radio News.”
Government To Pay Half of Health Care Costs by 2018
On Tuesday, CMS’ Office of the Actuary projected that in 2018, health care spending will make up more than one-fifth of the U.S. economy, and the government will be responsible for more than 50% of those costs. The Hill.
Health Care Costs Figure Prominently in White House Fiscal Summit
President Obama argued in favor of overhauling the nation’s health care system as part of an effort to tackle the federal budget deficit. Obama said that health care reform efforts would involve changes aimed at controlling Medicare cost increases. CongressDaily et al.
Ventura County Hospitals Feel Effect of Economic Recession
Many Ventura County hospitals report empty beds, fewer outpatient procedures and an increase in uninsured patients because of the economic recession. However, some hospitals, such as Simi Valley Hospital, say they have seen an increase in patients. Ventura County Star.
Judge Expected To Block Medi-Cal Payment Cuts Set To Begin March 1
In September, California lawmakers approved legislation that could cut Medi-Cal payments to some health care providers by 5%. After hearing a challenge to the cuts, a judge said the state failed to convince her that the cuts would not harm beneficiaries. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Revamped Web Site Offers Resources for Uninsured
Last week, the Actors’ Fund of America revamped its Access to Health Insurance/Resources for Care Web site. The site, first launched 11 years ago, offers resources for uninsured residents or those in need of low-cost medical care. Los Angeles Times.
20% of Los Angeles County Residents Receive Assistance
Los Angeles County officials expect the number of residents receiving food stamps, Medi-Cal and other public benefits to jump as the recession continues. Currently, about 2.2 million people in L.A. County collect public assistance payments or benefits. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation for the Week of Feb. 23
The Arkansas governor signed legislation to increase the state’s tobacco tax to fund kids’ health care and a trauma care network. Meanwhile, a proposal in Nebraska aims to expand eligibility for its version of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.