Latest California Healthline Stories
National Governors Association Pushes for Medicaid Funding Hike
Speaking for the National Governors Association, N.Y. Gov. David Paterson asked Congress to increase Medicaid funding by 5% for two years to help states deal with budget deficits and other effects of the economic downturn. Some Republicans appeared reluctant to support such a move. CongressDaily, CQ HealthBeat.
McCain, Obama Health Care Plans Offer Competing Visions
The Washington Post compared how Sens. John McCain’s and Barack Obama’s health care proposals would change the U.S. health care system. Obama’s plan is similar to Massachusetts health care reform plan, while McCain’s proposal for high-risk coverage mirrors a program in Minnesota. Washington Post.
California Doctors Use Web-Based Immunization Registry
A California Web-based immunization registry helps doctors determine patients’ immunization status. The registry includes immunization records for patients in Los Angeles, Pasadena and Long Beach. More than 160 public and private medical practices are participating in the program. Orange County Register‘s “Healthy Living.”
Opinion Piece Defends End-of-Life Care Options Law
In an opinion piece, Barbara Coombs Lee — president of Compassion and Choice, a not-for-profit that focuses on end-of-life care and choice — defends the recently enacted Terminal Patients’ Right to Know End-of-Life Options Act. She writes, “The Right to Know Act specifically ensures that patients who ask will become aware of their condition and receive the most appropriate care for whatever time they have left.” Los Angeles Times.
California Ending Payment of Some Medicare Part B Premiums
California has been one of only two states in the nation to cover the cost of monthly premiums for Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient services, for beneficiaries who also qualify for Medi-Cal. The change in policy was approved as part of the budget package that Gov. Schwarzenegger signed last month. Advocates have spoken out against the change. Modesto Bee.
S.D. County Pushes Case on State Medical Marijuana Law
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its suit seeking to overturn a California law permitting marijuana use if it is recommended by a health care provider. The state Supreme Court declined to hear the case earlier this month. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Budget Deficits Compel States To Cut Medicaid, Other Health Programs
States are facing budget deficits as the economic downturn drives a drop in revenue. Medicaid is often a target for cuts because in many states — California included — it is the second-largest spending item in their budgets. A fiscal analyst says state budget deficits could total $100 billion by 2010. USA Today.
Dialysis Covered for Undocumented Immigrants in California
California is among a small number of states that cover dialysis and some other health care services for undocumented immigrants. Supporters of stricter immigration policies strongly oppose the moves, but a Medi-Cal leader said the policy is grounded in economics. Los Angeles Times.
Volunteers a Key Component of Growth in Hospice Industry
Hospice care has grown into a $10 billion a year industry, fueling demand for volunteers because of a law that requires hospices to use volunteers for at least 5% of staffing to qualify for Medicare reimbursements. The number of volunteers has more than tripled since 1980. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Scientific Panel Challenges FDA’s Ruling on BPA
In a report to be released today, a scientific advisory panel found that FDA ignored scientific evidence and used flawed methods when it determined that bisphenol A — a chemical widely used in baby bottles and can linings — is not harmful. FDA has commissioned new research on BPA. Washington Post.