Latest California Healthline Stories
Survey Highlights Primary Care Physician Shortage
A new survey commissioned by the not-for-profit Physicians’ Foundation found that more than 75% of doctors surveyed believe there is a primary care physician shortage. According to the survey, that shortage could increase as about 50% of physician respondents said they planned to reduce patient loads or stop practicing within three years. USA Today.
UCLA Study Finds Connection Between Parkinson’s, Pesticide
A new UCLA study of 400 San Joaquin Valley residents found a link between Parkinson’s disease and exposure to an agricultural fungicide, called ziram, that is widely used on grapes and nut and fruit trees in the area. Researchers say the new findings could explain why the rate of Parkinson’s is higher in San Joaquin Valley than in other parts of the state. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Economic Stimulus Package Includes More Medicaid Funding
Yesterday, Senate Democrats introduced a $100.3 billion economic stimulus package that includes $37.8 billion in additional federal Medicaid funding for states. The package also includes $1 billion in additional funds for NIH. A vote on the stimulus package could be held Wednesday, but opposition from Senate Republicans likely will delay passage until January. CQ Today et al.
Most Do Not Fully Understand Medicare Coverage Cap
A survey released Monday by Medco Health Solutions found that 62% of Medicare beneficiaries do not fully understand the “doughnut hole” in the prescription drug benefit, and 28% do not understand at all or are not aware of the coverage gap. AP/Washington Post.
Kennedy Plans To Introduce Universal Health Care Bill
In his first return to the Senate since July, Sen. Edward Kennedy on Monday reaffirmed his plans to introduce universal health care legislation in early 2009. Kennedy noted that President-elect Barack Obama has indicated that health care reform will be a priority. New York Times‘ “The Caucus” et al.
California Leaders Push for SEIU, UHW Resolution
A letter signed by more than 240 California political and community leaders urges the national Service Employees International Union to resolve its dispute with United Healthcare Workers West rather than impose a trusteeship on the Oakland-based health care union. San Francisco Business Times.
California Scientists, Biotech Firms Welcome Stem Cell Policy Changes
President-elect Barack Obama has indicated that he plans to overturn President Bush’s limitations on federal funding for stem cell research. California scientists and biotechnology companies argue that Bush’s stem cell policies have hindered research efforts. Contra Costa Times.
Details on Proposed Prison Hospitals To Be Released
California prison health care receiver J. Clark Kelso’s office was expected Monday night to release design guidelines for the seven proposed prison hospitals. Meanwhile, on Monday, Kelso met with the Sacramento Bee‘s Editorial Board to discuss his prison health care reform plans. Ventura County Star, Sacramento Bee.
Obama, Democrats Frame Health Care Proposal as Job Creator
In response to the economic downturn, President-elect Barack Obama and congressional Democrats are framing their health care proposals as job-creation measures, arguing that lower health care costs will encourage businesses to hire more employees. Washington Post et al.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of Nov. 17
Arizona voters rejected a ballot measure that would have barred state laws requiring people to buy health insurance. Meanwhile, stakeholders in Maryland, Maine, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wisconsin pressed for action on health care coverage expansion projects.