Latest California Healthline Stories
More Doctors in the Ranks of Incoming Congress
The American Medical Association said that physicians will hold 14 seats in Congress in the next session, two more than they currently hold. Ten of the doctors are Republicans, and the other four are Democrats. Wall Street Journal‘s “Health Blog.”
Union Workers at Nursing Home Chain OK Contract
More than 97% of Horizon West workers represented by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers-West voted to approve a contract that would increase wages and provide defined benefit pensions. Sacramento Business Journal.
Congressional Efforts for Health Care Reform Pick Up Steam Post-Election
Aides to Sen. Edward Kennedy said he is charging ahead with work on a proposal to overhaul the American health care system, but some analysts caution that crafting a unified Democratic bill could tie up Congress. Meanwhile, Sen. Max Baucus also is proceeding with work on health care reform. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Hospitals Seeing Drop in Elective Procedures, Rise in Uncollected Debt
As the economy continues to slide, some hospitals are reporting patients delaying elective procedures and some other major operations. At the same time, hospitals are seeing a jump in charity care and patients not paying their hospital bills. In California, uncollected debts exceeded $7 billion last year. New York Times.
Rural Retirees Lose Subsidy in Latest California Budget
California will save more than $5 million annually by ending a subsidy to state retirees in rural areas that was intended to bring down HMO premiums. Rural retirees will be hit with a comparable increase in monthly premiums. Capitol Weekly.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of November 7, 2008
Unionized workers at 33 Catholic Healthcare West facilities approved a contract agreement, and voters in San Francisco approved a nearly $900 million bond measure to build a replacement facility for San Francisco General Hospital. Meanwhile, Sutter Health is planning a new ambulatory surgery center.
Automakers Seek Federal Help for Health Obligations
On Thursday, representatives of GM, Ford and Chrysler asked congressional leaders for financial assistance, including $25 billion in loans to help the companies cover the cost of retiree health care benefits. The request came at a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority leader Harry Reid. AP/Houston Chronicle.
Latest Inspection Finds That Problems Persist at UC-Irvine Medical Center
CMS will give UCI Medical Center officials a survey detailing problems at the facility and ask hospital officials to submit a correction plan. If the plan is accepted, a third inspection will be performed to determine whether the facility will lose eligibility to participate in Medicare. Orange County Register.
Steep Cuts for Health Care in Governor’s New Spending Plan
Cuts to Medi-Cal and other services would total about $950 million under Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal to deal with California’s growing budget deficit. Assembly Speaker Karen Bass has called proposed cuts to health and human services programs “a non-starter.” Eureka Reporter et al.
Editorial: California Cannot Afford New Bond Measures
On Tuesday, California voters approved almost $1 billion in bonds to fund projects at children’s hospitals and three other bond measures, further complicating the state’s budget problems in the future, according to an editorial. Modesto Bee.