Latest California Healthline Stories
More U.S. Companies Offer On-Site Health Clinics
A growing number of large companies, including Intel and Walt Disney, are offering on-site health clinics aimed at improving employees’ health, cutting medical costs and reducing the amount of time employees spend out of the office for physician visits. San Francisco Chronicle.
Number of Uninsured Residents Increasing, Report Finds
A report released by the California HealthCare Foundation found that over the past 20 years, the percentage of uninsured Californians has increased, while the percentage of residents who receive employer-sponsored health care has declined. The report’s lead researcher attributed the findings to rising health care costs. CQ HealthBeat.
California Hospitals Feel Strain of Economic Downturn
While still outpacing other industries, hospitals are beginning to feel the strain of the economic downturn. According to a yet-to-be released California Hospital Association survey, about two in five hospitals have halted construction plans or postponed major purchases. Meanwhile, 25% of hospitals surveyed said they are having trouble securing financing for construction projects. Sacramento Bee.
L.A. County Juvenile Mental Health Hospital Proposed
Los Angeles County probation officials are proposing the construction of a 70-bed hospital in Sylmar to treat and house incarcerated juveniles with serious mental illnesses. The facility would cost an estimated $5 million to $10 million. Los Angeles Times.
More Residents Relying on Public Assistance Programs, Study Finds
The California Budget Project found that a growing number of residents are turning to public assistance programs. The report comes as lawmakers propose significant cuts to health and social services programs to close the state budget deficit. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Nurses at UC Medical Centers Vote To Authorize Strike
Registered nurses at five UC medical centers voted overwhelmingly in support of authorizing a strike to protest what they call unsafe staffing practices. A strike date has not been set. State law requires nurses to give hospitals 10 days’ notice before beginning a strike. San Francisco Business Times.
UnitedHealth Group To Settle SEC Lawsuit Over Backdated Options
The Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit alleges that UnitedHealth Group concealed from shareholders more than $1 billion in stock option compensation between 1994 and 2005. UnitedHealth Group will not admit or deny wrongdoing in the settlement. St. Paul Pioneer Press et al.
Former Cedars-Sinai Worker Accused of Identity Theft
A former Cedars-Sinai Medical Center employee is accused of using the personal information of more than 1,000 patients to steal at least $69,000 from insurance companies. Affected patients were notified last week. Los Angeles Times.
Governor, Lawmakers Continue Work on California Budget
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to meet today with Democratic leaders in hopes of reaching a deal on the state budget. Last week, the Legislature approved an $18 billion budget plan that included $7.3 billion in cuts to health care, schools and other programs. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Investigation: Maryland Hospitals Aggressive on Debt Collection
An eight-month Baltimore Sun investigation looked into the aggressive efforts by Maryland hospitals to step up debt collection. The hospitals’ trade group successfully defeated lawmakers’ efforts to impose stricter oversight of hospitals’ collection practices. Baltimore Sun.