Latest California Healthline Stories
Deal Calls for Pay Hikes for Patient-Care Workers at UC Hospitals
Patient-care workers will see raises of at least 26% over the next four years, according to a tentative agreement between unionized patient-care workers and the University of California. Negotiations for the contract have gone on for more than a year. Contra Costa Times et al.
Fellowship Aims for More Public-Sector Child Psychiatrists in Bay Area
Low numbers of child psychiatrists working in community groups and public agencies have led Stanford University and San Mateo County to introduce a new two-year fellowship program. The program will focus on practicing in community-based settings. San Mateo County Times.
California, United Kingdom Partner on Stem Cell Research
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the United Kingdom’s Medical Research Council have partnered to support research collaborations between scientists. In June, the state’s stem cell funding institute announced similar agreements with the Australian state of Victoria and Canada’s Cancer Stem Cell Consortium. San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Business Times.
Reports Show Differences in McCain, Obama Health Plans
Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain have proposed “dramatically different” plans for health care reform. McCain would rely on market forces to expand health care coverage to the uninsured, while Obama would expand public safety-net programs, subsidized coverage for the poor and make public insurance available to all residents. Los Angeles Times.
Economy Pushing More Families To Seek Food Aid
Rising health care costs and other living expenses are taking more out of family budgets, pushing more people to apply for food stamps and seek out other options for food aid. Stanislaus County officials say the county is particularly vulnerable to economic downturns. Modesto Bee.
Voters Mull Hospital Bonds, Parental Notification
The Los Angeles Times provides an overview of the 12 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot, including a children’s hospital bond measure and a parental notification measure. The Contra Costa Times urges voters to approve Proposition 3 — the children’s hospital bond measure — and reject Proposition 4 — the parental notification initiative. Meanwhile, the Orange County Register recommends that voters reject the children’s hospital bond measure and approve the parental notification measure. Los Angeles Times et al.
Report Sees Ongoing Growth in Federal, State Medicaid Spending
Total spending on Medicaid will exceed $300 billion in 2008 and likely will come close to $675 billion by 2017, according to new research from the CMS Office of the Actuary. The report marks the first time that the federal government has projected growth in Medicaid spending, but CMS officials said the report now will be conducted annually. CQ HealthBeat, AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Lawmakers Order Overhaul of Workers’ Comp. Insurer
After a recent scandal and criminal investigation, the California Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have ordered the State Compensation Insurance Fund, which provides workers’ compensation coverage to more than 190,000 California employees, to revise its management structure and comply with the open-meeting and public records laws that apply to all other state and local government agencies. Los Angeles Times.
California Children’s Hospitals Seek Additional Funding
Four years ago, California voters approved $750 million in bonds to help expand and update the state’s 13 public and private children’s hospitals. However, hospitals say they need more funding and have put a measure on the Nov. 4 ballot to borrow an additional $980 million. Opponents of the measure argue that the state cannot afford to take on more debt. Los Angeles Times.
Hospitals in Southwest Riverside County Pursue Growth Strategies
Rancho Springs Medical Center and Inland Valley Medical Center are expanding their emergency departments and adding other services in hopes of boosting medical services available locally. Southwest Riverside County is considered a medically underserved area. Riverside Press-Enterprise.