Latest California Healthline Stories
Groups Push for Approval of Ballot Measure To Replace S.F. Hospital
The nearly $900 million bond measure to replace San Francisco General Hospital to meet state seismic safety regulations is supported by an estimated 71% of voters, as well as both political parties, health care organizations and labor unions. San Francisco Business Times.
Federal Judge Amends Medi-Cal Reimbursement Rate Reduction Ruling
The judge amended her ruling to overturn a 10% reduction in Medi-Cal reimbursement rates by requiring that the state repay health care providers only for services performed on or after Aug. 18. The amended ruling saves the state tens of millions of dollars. San Francisco Chronicle.
Budget Impasse Holds Up $4 Billion in Payments to Health Providers, Others
Controller John Chiang said $4.3 billion in state funding for various services, including health care, has been halted due to the budget impasse and a total of nearly $12 billion could be affected if a budget agreement is not reached soon. Capitol Weekly et al.
Companies Plan To Shift More Health Care Costs to Workers, Survey Finds
According to the preliminary results of a national survey released Thursday by Mercer, nearly 60% of U.S. companies plan to increase employees’ deductibles, copayments and out-of-pocket spending limits in 2009 to address rising health care costs. AP/Houston Chronicle.
Longs Drug Stores To Give Shareholders More Info Regarding CVS Deal
In an effort to address concerns by shareholders, Longs Drug Stores will release documents about the company’s real estate holdings. The documents were shown to CVS Caremark, which has offered to buy the company, during the required period of due diligence. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, San Francisco Chronicle.
Program To Provide $200M in Capital Health Funding
The Capital Access Small Insurance Program has made available $200 million in capital funding over 20 years for smaller health care organizations that provide services to underserved, low-income and underinsured residents throughout California. The program is part of the California Health Care Investment program funded by UnitedHealth Group and its PacifiCare subsidiary. Stockton Record.
USC Begins Construction on Stem Cell Research Center
On Wednesday, USC became the first of 12 California institutions to begin construction on a taxpayer-funded stem cell research facility. The $80 million project received $27 million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and $30 million from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. The remaining funds for the research center will be raised through individuals and private foundations. Los Angeles Times.
UC-Davis Ranks High Among Medical Schools for Hispanics
The Hispanic Business Magazine ranked the UC-Davis School of Medicine 10th among U.S. medical schools for Hispanic students based on enrollment, faculty, student services, retention and reputation. The magazine said UC-Davis is committed to educating a physician workforce that better reflects California’s diversity. Sacramento Bee.
High Gas Prices Force Patients To Delay, Skip Treatment
High gasoline prices are forcing many U.S. residents who travel far or frequently for medical treatment to skip or delay appointments and leave support groups. Meanwhile, groups that offer transportation services or grants have seen a significant increase in the number of requests in the last year. USA Today.