Latest California Healthline Stories
UCSF-Fresno Trains Students in Wilderness Medicine
As UCSF-Fresno’s first wilderness and emergency medicine fellow, Brian Horan treats patients and works with emergency medical technicians and park rangers in the ParkMedic program. More medical schools nationwide are recognizing the need to train physicians who are comfortable treating outdoor and wilderness activity injuries. Modesto Bee.
Local Union Chapter Files Charges Against Parent SEIU
Oakland-based United Healthcare Workers West President Sal Rosselli has filed internal union charges against two top Service Employees International Union officials accusing them of engaging in “a campaign of retaliation” against its internal critics, collaborating with employers to undermine UHW’s bargaining power, spreading “lies and propaganda” about UHW’s leadership and engaging in unjustified “monitorship” of the local union. San Francisco Business Times.
San Joaquin County, Stockton Head To Court Over Paramedic Services
The county and city are locked in a dispute over which entity is responsible for providing advanced life support services in Stockton. A 1986 agreement assigns that responsibility to Stockton Fire Department paramedics but questions linger over whether the agreement remains in effect or still is needed. Stockton Record.
Vets With Mild Brain Trauma To Get Increase in Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to significantly increase disability benefits for veterans with mild traumatic brain injuries. Currently, those veterans receive $117 per month, but the new regulation could increase compensation to $600 per month. USA Today.
Report Sees Challenges for Hospitals in Aging California Population
A report by the California HealthCare Foundation suggests that hospitals will have to boost efficiency or expand to accommodate the growth of number of Californians ages 65 and older. The population group is projected to more than double by 2030. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Opinion Piece Urges Governor To Sign Rescissions Bill
In an opinion piece, John Diaz, the San Francisco Chronicle‘s editorial page editor, urges Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign into law a bill (AB 1945) that would protect residents from unwarranted insurance cancellations. San Francisco Chronicle.
Moorpark College To Build New Health Science Center
Moorpark College is building a health science center to expand its nursing, radiology and nutrition programs and add other programs. The center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010. Ventura County Star.
Workers To See 9% Hike in Health Care Coverage Costs
An annual study by Hewitt Associates found that the combined average premium and out-of-pocket costs for health care coverage for an individual worker likely will increase by 9% to $3,826 a year in 2009. Chicago Tribune.
U.S. Residents Cut Back on Health Care Spending in Economic Downturn
Data from several sources indicate that Americans have cut back on health care services over the past year. Prescription drug sales and physician appointments have both seen reductions, prompting some analysts to warn of an increase in more expensive conditions down the road. Wall Street Journal.
Legislature Passes Final Budget; Schwarzenegger Agrees To Sign
The budget agreement retains proposals to require children to verify eligibility for Medi-Cal twice a year and increase premiums for Healthy Families. The budget proposes replacing the 10% cut to Medi-Cal provider payments with smaller reimbursement cuts on March 1. Gov. Schwarzenegger is expected to sign the budget early this week. Los Angeles Times et al.