Latest California Healthline Stories
Professional Insurance Groups Gain in Popularity
Small business owners and individuals without employer-sponsored health insurance increasingly are joining professional associations and trade and affinity groups for health coverage. The groups’ market clout often means lower premiums and better benefits, but the cost and quality of coverage can vary substantially. Wall Street Journal.
Shortage of Primary Care Physicians, Nurses Grows More Serious in U.S.
A new report estimates that by 2015 community health centers will need an additional 60,000 primary care physicians and 44,500 nurses to provide care to residents who currently lack a regular health care provider and current patients. CQ HealthBeat, Baltimore Sun.
Reporting of Medicaid Sanctions Ineffective, Federal Report Says
Investigators found that states regularly do not notify federal regulators when providers are barred from Medicaid programs, crimping federal efforts to construct a database of doctors and other health care providers barred from federal health programs. More than 60% of providers sanctioned by states in 2004 and 2005 were not included in the federal database. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Kaiser, Stanford Win $3.98M Grant To Study Heart Disease
The American Heart Association has awarded a four-year, $3.89 million grant to Kaiser Permanente’s Division of Research and Stanford University Medical Center to study heart disease. The researchers will link for the first time all of Kaiser’s medical databases to use data on 3.3 million Northern California patients in their studies. East Bay Business Times, San Francisco Business Times.
Mexican Consulate in Fresno Set To Launch Health Care Referrals
Beginning next month, a program run by the Mexican consulate and a local health clinic network will direct Mexican immigrant workers to clinics in the Central Valley in hopes of avoiding unnecessary visits to hospital emergency departments. Fresno Bee.
Report Forecasts 10.6% Jump in Employer Health Care Costs in 2009
The projection by Aon Consulting Worldwide would be the smallest increase in health care costs in six years. The study leader credited disease management efforts and employee wellness programs with helping to curb cost hikes. AP/Baltimore Sun, San Francisco Chronicle.
Study Takes Closer Look at Health Issues Facing Hispanic Farm Workers
Research funded by the California Endowment and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is focused on occupational risks, respiratory health and potential for injuries among agricultural workers in the Central Valley. The study also will examine chronic disease. Fresno Bee.
End to Practice of Balance Billing a ‘Victory’ for Patients
An editorial calls regulations issued Friday by the California Department of Managed Health Care prohibiting the practice of balance billing “a major health care victory for Californians.” The new rules are scheduled to take effect Oct. 15. Sacramento Bee.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of August 11
The Illinois governor announced plans to use his veto authority to extend health insurance coverage for children under their parents’ health insurance policy. Meanwhile, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill aimed at controlling rising health care costs.
Sex Offender Law Yields Hefty Pay for Mental Health Professionals
The California Department of Mental Health paid contract psychologists and psychiatrists more than $24 million last year for evaluations of sex offenders required by the 2006 ballot initiative Jessica’s Law. The department is working to recruit staff to do the evaluations. Los Angeles Times.