Latest California Healthline Stories
Budget Gap Is Central Focus of Governor’s State of the State Address
Gov. Schwarzenegger reportedly considered rolling out plans for health care and other issues in his annual State of the State address yesterday, but instead he solely focused on California’s budget deficit. He said nothing else could be done until a budget is passed. San Jose Mercury News et al.
California Joins Suit Seeking To Block HHS Conscience Rule
California was one of seven states that filed a lawsuit seeking to block an HHS rule that expands protections for health care workers who cite moral objections in refusing to participate in certain procedures, such as abortion. Two family planning groups also filed suits to block the rule, which is set to take effect Tuesday. Washington Post.
Health Care Nabs More Than $150B in Economic Stimulus Plan
House Democrats included more than $150 billion for health care in an economic stimulus package that they announced yesterday. More than half of that spending would go to state Medicaid programs, and health care information technology efforts would receive about $20 billion. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Expansion of Children’s Health Insurance Moves Forward in U.S. Senate
The Senate Finance Committee approved legislation to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program to an additional four million kids. Differences between the Senate bill and one the House passed yesterday likely will be resolved in a conference committee. AP/Boston Globe.
Editorial: Fast-Track Medical School Proposal Has Potential
According to an editorial, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi’s proposal to eliminate research programs at the planned UC-Merced medical school and fast track students through the system to address physician shortages in the area “deserves examination.” Stockton Record.
Report: Life Science Firms Need Government Support
The number of treatments developed by California life science companies increased significantly since 2007, according to a new report from BayBio. However, the report urged the government to provide tax breaks and other incentives to keep the industry thriving. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Assembly, Senate Name Committee Chairs, Members
On Wednesday, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass announced committee chairs for the two-year session that began Dec. 1, 2008. Assembly member Dave Jones will serve as chair of the Health Committee, while Assembly member Nathan Fletcher will serve as vice chair. Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg on Tuesday named the full member roster of the Senate committees. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Blue Shield of California Foundation Announces Shift in Grant Priorities
In 2009, the Blue Shield of California Foundation will focus its grants on universal health coverage, California’s safety net and the prevention of domestic violence. The foundation will not award grants to health information technology projects. San Francisco Business Times, Modern Healthcare.
California Could Lack Funds To Cover Spending by February
A report by California’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office warned that the state would not have enough cash on hand to cover state spending beginning next month if a new budget plan is not approved. Some state payments could be delayed or IOUs could be issued. The report indicates that Medi-Cal is higher on the priority list for funds than other programs. Capitol Weekly et al.
Nominee for VA Secretary Pledges To Modernize Agency
At a Senate confirmation hearing, retired Army Gen. Eric Shinseki vowed to transform the Department of Veterans Affairs into a proactive, “21st-century organization” if confirmed as VA secretary. Shinseki said one of his priorities would be to update VA’s information technology network and move toward an electronic health record system. Washington Post.