Latest California Healthline Stories
Database Project for Medi-Cal Claims a Bust in Sacramento County
The county is using the same database to process Medi-Cal mental health claims that it had when it contracted for a new system in 2003. The county canceled its contract in 2006, and officials say the county probably will not recoup more than $4.5 million it spent on the project. Sacramento Bee.
Budget Agreement Passed; Schwarzenegger Ready To Sign
This morning the California legislature signed off on a budget package that includes cuts to health care, education and other programs, as well as tax hikes and borrowing proposals. Gov. Schwarzenegger said he would sign the package immediately. Los Angeles Times et al.
Stimulus Money for Medi-Cal Hinges on Undoing Eligibility Rules
Tighter eligibility restrictions for Medi-Cal that California imposed last year will have to be reversed to receive up to $11 billion in additional federal funds. The stimulus package says Medicaid programs can’t have tighter eligibility rules than they did on July 1, 2008. Capitol Weekly.
Kansas Governor Obama’s Top Choice for HHS Secretary
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius served as the state’s insurance commissioner for eight years before becoming governor six years ago. California Rep. Pete Stark was among those who voiced support for Sebelius to lead HHS. New York Times et al.
Commonwealth Fund Outlines Plan To Rework U.S. Health Care System
The Commonwealth Fund rolled out a proposal that aims to achieve near universal health coverage while tackling health care cost increases and quality. The proposal calls for a new government insurance program and a government-run insurance exchange. Reuters/Boston Globe.
Fatal Druggings at Nursing Facility, Reports Allege
A criminal complaint filed by the California Attorney General’s office alleges that a nursing director, pharmacist and physician drugged at least 22 elderly residents at the Kern Valley Health Care District’s skilled nursing facility with mood-altering medications, leading to the deaths of three residents. Three former employees of the nursing facility have been arrested. Bakersfield Californian.
CIRM To Seek $400M in Private Bond Placement
The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine plans to seek $200 million in a private bond placement this year and an additional $200 million next year to address a cash-flow crunch. The state’s budget crisis and the bond market has forced state Treasurer Bill Lockyer to halt bond sales, leaving CIRM with cash reserves of only $160 million. On its Web site, the stem cell funding agency said it is working with Lockyer’s office to sell the general obligation bonds on the private market. San Francisco Business Times.
Growing Unemployment Puts Pressure on Health System
San Diego hospitals, physician offices and local community clinics are feeling an increase in pressure as a growing number of San Diego residents are losing their jobs and health insurance. KPBS’ “KPBS News.”
Senate HELP Panel Looks for Health Reform Examples
Sen. Barbara Mikulski said a health care program in Howard County, Md., potentially could influence national health care reform efforts. Healthy Howard Access Plan provides medical services and health counseling to uninsured county residents. Participants in the not-for-profit program pay a monthly fee. Columbia Flier.
Major Nurses Unions Form Alliance To Represent All RNs
On Wednesday, the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, United American Nurses and Massachusetts Nurses Association announced that they are forming a new 150,000-member association, called the United American Nurses-National Nurses Organizing Committee, or UAN-NNOC (AFL-CIO). PR Newswire.