Latest California Healthline Stories
Teens on Indian Reservation Cope With Diabetes
KQED’s “The California Report Magazine” looked at diabetes among teenagers on the Round Valley Indian Reservation in Mendocino County. KQED’s “The California Report Magazine.”
Núñez Appointment to Workers’ Comp Insurer Board Sparks Criticism
An executive from a consumer advocacy group called the appointment of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez to Zenith National Insurance’s board “the revolving door working at its worst.” Núñez was Assembly speaker when workers’ compensation reforms were passed in 2004. Sacramento Bee.
Businesses, Advocates Near Deal on Universal Health Care
Leading groups of businesses, hospitals, doctors, labor unions and insurance companies are reaching a consensus with congressional leaders and representatives of President-elect Barack Obama over some key points on efforts to expand health insurance coverage in the U.S. Some Democrats say an expansion of children’s health insurance is more likely next year. Los Angeles Times et al.
More Protections Against Conflict of Interest Advocated in California
Government watchdogs are advocating stronger protections against potential conflicts of interest among California lawmakers who draw income from health insurance and other industries that their committees oversee. At least three legislators have stakes in health care. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of Dec. 1
An audit found thousands of errors in the computer system Idaho uses to determine Medicaid eligibility, and Nevada physicians are protesting a proposal to reduce Medicaid reimbursements for inpatient services.
More Companies Turning to Higher-Deductible Plans
Rising costs and lower profits are driving more employers to select health insurance policies with higher employee deductibles. One hospital president said higher deductibles and co-payments might be contributing to the increase in uncompensated hospital care. Ventura County Star.
Pressure On To Enroll Kids in Healthy Families Before Vote on Cap
Later this month, California officials are scheduled to vote on a proposal that would freeze enrollment in California’s version of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program because of a budget deficit. Advocates are urging providers to enroll kids ahead of the vote. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for November 2008
Ed Penhoet stepped down as vice chair of California’s stem cell agency, but he was tapped for a seat on the agency’s oversight board. Meanwhile, the CEO of UC-Irvine Medical Center announced that she would retire in March.
New Rule Lets States Charge Premiums, Raise Medicaid Copays
The Bush administration says that the rule will help states avoid cuts to eligibility or services in their Medicaid programs at a time when state budgets are tightening substantially. Health care advocates warn that the rule could raise new barriers to care for vulnerable populations. New York Times.
Medi-Cal Beneficiaries, Uninsured Have Higher Hospital Death Rates
A report by California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development found that people with private health insurance coverage are far less likely to die during hospital stays than uninsured Californians or Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Sacramento Business Journal.