Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care Legislation a Priority for Democrats in Congress This Year
In addition to an economic stimulus bill, Democratic lawmakers hope to pass measures to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and increase federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research. Action on the efforts could come early in the session. Washington Times, CongressDaily.
Suit Targets Democrats’ Budget Plan That Aimed To Sidestep Republicans
Democratic legislators have crafted a proposal they say can pass on a simple majority vote without Republican support. Gov. Schwarzenegger has refused to sign the proposal, which includes cuts to health care, schools and other programs. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” Sacramento Bee.
Report Card: Health Care for California Kids Declined in 2008
Changes in eligibility verification standards for Medi-Cal beneficiaries and higher premiums for Healthy Families were major factors that contributed to the drop in California’s grade for health care in Children Now’s annual report card. Moreover, the report projects that as many as one million California children could go without health insurance in 2009. Ventura County Star.
Obama Meets With Congressional Leaders Over Economic Stimulus
President-elect Barack Obama discussed elements of a proposed economic stimulus plan that could increase federal funding for Medicaid with Democratic and Republican congressional leaders Monday. Obama said he expects to sign the package by late January or early February. Chicago Tribune et al.
Interest in Paid Clinical Trials Grows as Economy Worsens
As unemployment levels nationwide reach a 15-year high, the research industry is seeing a significant increase in interest in clinical research trials that pay up to thousands of dollars for participation in trials for anything from pain medication to cancer drugs. AP/Forbes.
Contra Costa County Kicks Off Portable EKG Effort
Paramedics in Contra Costa County have begun using portable electrocardiogram technology as part of an effort to alert hospitals while patients with severe heart attacks are being transported. Alameda County has had a similar effort in place for six years. Contra Costa Times.
Hawaii Residents To Gain Access to Online Doctor Visits
On Jan. 15, the Hawaii Medical Service Association will give all Hawaii residents access to American Well’s online physician consultation service. Hawaii Medical Service Association members will pay $10 to use the online service, while uninsured residents can use the service for $45. New York Times.
Health Care Costs Up by Slowest Rate in Nine Years, New Study Finds
In 2007, U.S. health care spending increased by 6.1%, down from an increase of 6.7% in 2006, government auditors reported in the journal Health Affairs. Spending on health care by the government and the private sector now stands at about $2.2 trillion. Wall Street Journal et al.
Preteens, Teens Receive Subpar Care, Report Finds
Health care for preteens and teens is fragmented and poorly designed, according to a new report from the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. The report found that few physicians specialize in adolescent care or offer comprehensive care to the population. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Columnist Points to New Funding for S.F. Pilot Program
San Francisco Chronicle columnist C.W. Nevius writes about San Francisco’s decision to restore funding for the Homeless Outreach and Medical Emergency pilot program after a successful e-mail campaign by supporters of the program. He writes, “The city’s budget crisis is so severe that programs are being red-lined and then restored hourly, depending on which groups can muster support.” San Francisco Chronicle.