Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial: Use Tobacco Tax Funds on Health Care
A San Diego Union-Tribune editorial supports a proposal by Sen. Dave Cox to “amend Proposition 10 and move its revenue to the Healthy Families and Medi-Cal programs.” The editorial argues that the approximate $600 million generated annually by a 50-cent-per-pack cigarette tax “has never been spent coherently.” San Diego Union-Tribune.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of November 21, 2008
Catholic Healthcare West and Sutter Health both moved forward with plans that could include construction of new health care facilities. Meanwhile, St. Rose Hospital’s seismic retrofit project will get boost from a grant from Washington Township Health Care District.
Moving UCI Pediatric Patients to Children’s Hospital OK’d
On Thursday, UC Regents unanimously approved a plan to transfer most of UC Irvine Medical Center’s pediatric patients to Children’s Hospital of Orange County. UC Irvine and Children’s Hospital officials said the partnership would provide patients with better care, but nurses raised concerns that pediatric services could suffer and strain resources. Los Angeles Times.
UCLA Study Reports High Number of Seniors With Chronic Conditions
New research shows that more seniors in California are reporting being diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic conditions. The study found that the San Joaquin Valley is being hit especially hard by the rise in seniors with health problems. Los Angeles Times, Fresno Bee.
Patient Advocacy Business Growing in Popularity
On Thursday, KQED’s “California Report” looked at the growing trend of patient advocacy. The program includes segments on the different types of patient advocacy, the cost of patient advocacy, and self advocacy and Health 2.0. KQED’s “California Report.”
Health Insurer Groups Back Parts of Baucus Health Care Reform Plan
Two groups representing insurers voiced support for proposals that would require insurers to extend coverage to people with pre-existing medical conditions so long as all Americans are required to obtain health insurance. Both elements are included in Sen. Max Baucus’ health care proposal. New York Times et al.
GE Partners With UCSF, Others on Health IT Project
General Electric and GE Healthcare officials announced that they will partner with four medical institutions, including UC-San Francisco Medical Center, on a five-year, $200 million project to develop a national electronic health record system and related technologies. San Francisco Business Times.
Bass Pushes Alternative Budget Plan To Avoid Health Care Cuts
California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass said the state should push for an increase in federal funding instead of reducing state funding for health care, education and other programs. Bass supports Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal to increase state revenue as part of the strategy to address California’s growing budget deficit. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Employees’ Out-of-Pocket Heath Care Costs Increase
The average annual deductible for employer-sponsored health insurance increased 17% from $859 last year to $1,001 this year, according to a new study from benefits consulting firm Mercer. Employers are shifting more costs to employees as health care coverage becomes more expensive. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Industry Feels Effects of Economic Downturn
Recent reports from New York-based financial ratings firm Moody’s Investors Service indicate that the health care industry is feeling the effects of the economic downturn. According to the reports, fewer patients are seeking medical care, while hospitals and insurers are facing credit issues. Chicago Tribune.