Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of Sept. 29
Medicaid beneficiaries in Florida filed a lawsuit against the state for policies related to nursing homes and community-based care, while Maryland has begun alerting state residents of an expansion to its Medicaid program.
California Residents To Vote on 12 Ballot Initiatives
On Nov. 4, California voters will consider 12 ballot initiatives. Proposition 4 would prohibit abortions for minors until 48 hours after a parent or guardian is notified. Meanwhile, Proposition 3 would authorize the sale of $980 million in bonds for capital improvement projects at 13 children’s hospitals in California. Sacramento Bee.
Local Health Care Workers Protest Takeover by SEIU
On Friday, thousands of members of United Healthcare Workers-West gathered in San Mateo to protest a takeover by their parent company, Service Employees International Union. SEIU has charged UHW leaders with misconduct and has recommended that the local union be put under trusteeship. San Mateo Daily News.
Long-Term Care Bills Approved, But Cosmetic Surgery Bill Is Rejected
Gov. Schwarzenegger approved three measures aimed at adding protections for residents of long-term care facilities, including a bill that requires nursing homes to maintain emergency response plans. The governor vetoed a bill that would have required medical screenings before cosmetic surgery. Los Angeles Times.
House OKs Economic Stimulus Package With Funding for Medicaid
State Medicaid programs would get almost $15 billion in additional Medicaid funds under the proposal. A similar effort in the Senate called for even more funds for Medicaid programs, but the measure failed. President Bush has pledged to veto either proposal. CQ Today et al.
Editorial Backs Use of Federal Funds for Care of Immigrants
An editorial argues that federal funding to cover the care of uninsured undocumented immigrants should not be cut. It concludes, “Both the law and human decency forbid denying care to sick and injured people, but that responsibility shouldn’t fall solely on hospitals.” Los Angeles Times.
John Muir Medical Center Reaches Deal in Suit on Hospital Charges
Uninsured patients would have their bills cut by 40% to 50% for services at the medical center’s two hospitals over a six-year period under the proposed settlement to the class-action suit. Similar lawsuits have been filed against Sutter Health and Catholic Healthcare West. Contra Costa Times.
Advisory Group Agrees To Review Stem Cell Institute
On Friday, California’s Little Hoover Commission — an advisory group to the governor and Legislature — announced that it will review the structure and governance of the state stem cell institute. The examination was requested by Consumer Watchdog and in legislation introduced by Sens. Sheila Kuehl and George Runner. San Diego Union-Tribune.
McCain’s Health Care Plan Includes High-Risk Pool
A key part of Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain’s health care proposal includes creating special health plans for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. More than 30 states already have high-risk pools, but most of them have not been successful. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Elements of Governor’s Health Care Overhaul Land on His Desk
The Senate Health Committee killed Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care reform plan in January, but bills mirroring provisions of his plan have cleared the Legislature and made it to his desk. Questions remain whether he will approve the bills outside of the comprehensive overhaul that he had pushed for. San Jose Mercury News, Los Angeles Times.