Latest California Healthline Stories
Early Interventions Could Improve Children’s Health
Reports addressing the health benefits of breastfeeding, outreach efforts by public health nurses to underserved communities and implications of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s budget proposal for children’s health are included in a special broadcast focused on children’s health care. KQED’s “Health Dialogues.”
VA Still Underestimating Cost of Veterans’ Health Care, New Report Finds
A report by the federal Government Accountability Office concluded that the Department of Veterans Affairs is using a budget formula that does not accurately project costs for veterans’ health care. The outgoing VA secretary said the department would develop an action plan soon. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer.
California Could Emerge as Leader in Stem Cell Research
California could be at advantage for federal funding when President Obama lifts federal restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research as expected because of the state’s taxpayer-funded investment in stem cell research. The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has invested $625 million in stem cell research. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Tulare County Makes Deep Cuts to Health Department
On Jan. 13, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to make health department cuts that would save the county an estimated $10 million. The cuts include eliminating 480 health positions, laying off about 200 health employees and closing one adult mental health facility and health clinics in Lindsay and Tulare. Health care workers, administrators and residents argue that the cuts will hurt the county’s health care system. Foothills Sun-Gazette.
Catholic Healthcare West Awards $525,000 in Grants
Catholic Healthcare West has awarded more than $525,000 in grants to 23 not-for-profit organizations in Sacramento and surrounding counties. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, will address health issues, such as chronic disease management and treatment for mental illness. Sacramento Bee.
S.F. Health Plan Ranks First in Childhood Vaccinations
On Wednesday, the San Francisco Health Plan — the city’s public health plan for low- and moderate-income residents — announced that it ranked first among Medicaid health plans nationwide in providing immunizations to children. According to officials, 90.7% of SFHP’s pediatric enrollees are fully immunized. The national ratings are determined by a set of nationally recognized health plan performance measures developed by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. San Francisco Business Times.
Cuts to Health Care, Social Services Trigger Concerns About Lawsuits
California counties are worried that scaled back service offerings stemming from state budget cuts could trigger lawsuits from advocacy groups. A former Sacramento County official warned that long waits for Medi-Cal beneficiaries to see doctors could result in legal action. Sacramento Bee.
First 5 Director Urges Supporters To Lobby Against Funding Cuts
First 5 California Children and Families Commission’s Executive Director Sherry Novick spoke out against proposals by Gov. Schwarzenegger and Republican legislators to tap into First 5 funds to help address the state budget deficit. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Medicaid Enrollment On the Rise as Recession Continues, Survey Finds
A survey by the New York Times found that Medicaid enrollment in some states grew by as much as 10% over the past year, corresponding with a drop in employer-sponsored coverage. Increased demand for Medicaid services comes as many states are considering cuts to the program. New York Times.
Schwarzenegger’s Plan for Employee Benefits Draws Questions
In his most recent budget proposal, Gov. Schwarzenegger said the state could save money by negotiating state employees’ benefits directly with insurers, rather than relying on CalPERS to negotiate the contracts. Some stakeholders are skeptical of the cost savings. Capitol Weekly.