Latest California Healthline Stories
Panel Considers Plan To Freeze Healthy Families Enrollment for 6 Months
The board that oversees California’s version of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is considering freezing enrollment in the program because of a funding shortfall. Advocates oppose the move. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
States’ Home Care Cuts Push Residents Into Nursing Homes
Budget shortfalls are pushing many states to cut home care services for the elderly and disabled. Because of the home care service cuts, moving to a nursing home is the only option for some individuals. Wall Street Journal.
Editorial Argues Against Democrats’ Health Care Plan
A proposal for health care reform by Sen. Max Baucus along with President-elect Barack Obama’s reported selection of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as HHS secretary indicate that Democrats are aiming for universal coverage, according to an editorial. It warns that the proposal could lead to a government monopoly over health care. Wall Street Journal.
California, Other States Fall Short on Anti-Smoking Efforts
A report released Tuesday by several health care organizations found that states are not devoting a major portion of their legal settlement from the tobacco industry a decade ago to anti-smoking efforts as they had agreed. California ranks 31st in the country in spending on smoking prevention efforts. Reuters, KPBS’ “KPBS News.”
Doctors Signed Up To Participate in Medi-Cal Not Taking New Patients
The president of the California Medical Association maintains that state statistics showing that 110,000 doctors have enrolled as Medi-Cal providers are inaccurate because some physicians aren’t taking on additional Medi-Cal beneficiaries as patients. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Daschle Tapped for HHS Secretary; Formal Announcement Expected
Democratic officials said that former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has agreed to lead HHS, but a formal announcement has not yet been made. Daschle is expected to occupy a large role in making decisions on health policy issues in the Obama administration. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Merced County Signs On to Area Medi-Cal Alliance
The Merced County Board of Supervisors has voted to approve an ordinance that will allow the county to join the Central Coast Alliance for Health. The alliance was created to improve health outcomes for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Santa Cruz and Monterey counties also participate. Merced Sun-Star.
California Endowment Rolls Out Funding for Kids’ Health Coverage
In a statement urging California leaders to expand children’s health insurance coverage, the California Endowment announced that it would provide $7.75 million in one-year grants to help Children’s Health Initiative programs statewide. Fresno Bee, California Endowment release.
Funding Crunch Pushes Counties To Re-Examine Health Spending
Several California counties are reacting to a substantial drop in state revenue that helps fund county health care services. Contra Costa County has delayed action on some proposed cuts for a month, while San Diego County is preparing itself for more than $30 million in cuts. Meanwhile, Fresno County is struggling with plans for employee health benefits. Contra Costa Times et al.
Nurse Union Leader Gives Baucus Plan Mixed Review
In a letter to the editor, Rose Ann DeMoro, executive director of the National Nurses Organizing Committee/California Nurses Association, writes that Sen. Max Baucus’ plan for health care reform “is a partial step in the right direction” on some issues but warned that it includes “several poison pills.” New York Times.