Latest California Healthline Stories
Unique Challenges Face Men’s Health Care Providers
In its February edition of Health Dialogues, KQED’s “California Report” examined men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, mental health and heart disease. KQED’s “California Report.”
President Obama Calls Summit on Medicare, Other Budget Issues
Today’s “fiscal responsibility summit” at the White House will hit on long-term funding challenges for Medicare and Social Security, as well as the tax system and the federal budget process. President Obama will address a joint session of Congress tomorrow and release a budget outline on Thursday that could provide more insight about his plans for health care reform. USA Today et al.
Medicare Ceases Payments to Sutter Transplant Program
At the close of business on Friday, Medicare halted payments to Sutter Memorial Hospital’s heart transplant program because the hospital does not perform enough surgeries annually to meet Medicare guidelines. Unless Sutter can reverse the decision during the appeals process, the hospital likely will be forced to shut down the Central Valley’s only heart transplant program. Sacramento Bee.
San Mateo County Studies Funding Options for Health Care Program
A San Mateo County task force is considering funding strategies for a proposed effort to offer health insurance coverage to all uninsured adults in the county. Task force leaders believe they will need to raise $100 million to $150 million to fund the plan. San Jose Mercury News.
Medicare Beneficiaries in Santa Cruz County Hit With Obstacles to Care
Medicare reimburses physicians in Santa Cruz County at lower rates than providers in neighboring Santa Clara County because Medicare categorizes Santa Cruz County as rural. Together with a shortage of physicians, the pay gap is compounding access problems for beneficiaries. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Schwarzenegger Signs California Budget Deal; Eyes Turn to Election
Gov. Schwarzenegger signed a budget package on Friday that relies on tax hikes, spending cuts and borrowing. The package also called for a special election May 19 that will include measures asking voters to redirect funds from mental health programs and early childhood health care and education. Los Angeles Times et al.
Inland Area Sees Spike in Need for Mental Health Services
The demand for mental health services in the Inland area has reached a record high, according to mental health professionals. Physicians and mental health experts say the spike in demand could be related to the economy. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Area Hospitals Face Shortage of Pain Relief Medications
Some hospitals in San Bernardino County are experiencing periodic shortages of pain relief medications. Erica Abbett, a spokesperson for drugmaker Covidien, attributed the shortage of oxycodone-related products to multiple factors, including the recall of two competitors’ products. San Bernardino Sun.
Sutter Medical Center Awards $1.6M in Grants to 34 Groups
Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento has awarded 34 grants totaling $1.6 million to not-for-profit groups that provide medical, mental health and social services to low-income residents. Sacramento Bee.
Stakeholders Moving Toward Agreement on Health Care Reform
Sen. Edward Kennedy’s staff has been holding private meetings with business groups, insurers, consumer advocates and other health care stakeholders on efforts to overhaul the U.S. health care system. People involved in the talks say there has been progress but disagreements remain. New York Times.