Latest California Healthline Stories
Medical Students With Dyslexia Lose Court Appeal
On Wednesday, medical students with dyslexia or other disorders lost a state Supreme Court appeal to receive extra time and other accommodations on the national medical school entrance exam. The state Supreme Court denied review of a ruling last October that leaves such decisions up to the American Association of Medical Colleges. San Francisco Chronicle.
Governor, Legislative Leaders Reach Agreement on Budget
Private negotiations between Gov. Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders of both parties have yielded a proposal that would use tax increases, spending cuts and borrowing to balance California’s budget. It also calls for funds to be shifted from mental health and early childhood health care and education programs. The Assembly and Senate could vote on the plan tomorrow. Los Angeles Times et al.
Sacramento County Approves Significant Health Care Cuts
On Wednesday, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved significant health care cuts designed to address the county’s $55 million general fund shortfall. Under the new cuts, undocumented immigrants will be unable to receive medical care in county clinics, two health clinics that serve low-income residents will close and various mental health services will be terminated. The supervisors approved $2.4 million in cuts to the Department of Health Services and $3.8 million in cuts to the Mental Health Division. Sacramento Bee, “Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Congress Reaches Deal on Economic Stimulus With Health Care Funds
Congressional negotiators reached an agreement that would provide additional federal funding for state Medicaid programs and kick in federal funds to subsidize health insurance coverage for recently unemployed people and finance health care IT adoption. Final passage could occur this week. New York Times et al.
Players in Health Care Debate Spent Big on Lobbying in ’07-’08
The California Hospital Association, the Service Employees International Union, the California Chamber of Commerce and Anthem Blue Cross of California had some of the largest lobbying expenditures in California in the 2007-2008 legislative session. Capitol Weekly.
L.A. Unified School District Reaches Benefits Agreement
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Unified School District announced a tentative three-year agreement that would provide lifetime benefits to district employees but limit district costs by setting benchmarks for when new employees become eligible. The tentative deal could diminish the possibility of a strike planned by United Teachers Los Angeles leaders. Los Angeles Times, KPCC’s “News.”
CalPERS Seeks Bids for Lucrative HMO Contract
CalPERS is seeking bids for an HMO contract for nearly a third of the state’s 1.3 million public employees, retirees and their families. Blue Shield of California, the holder of the current contract, and Health Net plan to submit bids. CalPERS expects to spend $5.7 billion this year on health benefits. Sacramento Bee.
Health Net Agrees to Settle Civil Suits Dealing With Policy Rescissions
Health Net will offer health insurance coverage, reimburse former policyholders for out-of-pocket medical expenses and pay damages to resolve two class-action suits focused on the insurer’s rescission practices. Los Angeles Times et al.
Survey: More People Turn to California Public Hospitals for Treatment
A survey by the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems found that its members are seeing a jump in patients as the economy worsens. Of CAPH’s 19 members, San Joaquin General Hospital has seen the largest spike in patients. Stockton Record.
Kaiser Sued Over Treatment for Autistic Children
A class-action lawsuit filed Tuesday alleges that Kaiser Permanente refuses to provide or cover treatment for autistic children. Kaiser argues that it provides a “full range of health care” for autistic children and that the lawsuit “blurs” the distinction between health care and services that should be offered by schools and social service agencies. Oakland Tribune et al.