Latest California Healthline Stories
Funding a Major Hurdle as California Lawmakers Take on Health Care
An adviser to Gov. Schwarzenegger says California likely will see an increase in the number of uninsured residents in 2008. The Legislature is considering at least 11 bills that would require insurers to cover more services, but insurers are fighting the measures. Sacramento Bee.
Managed Health Care Chief Explains Reinstatement Order
In a radio interview, Cindy Ehnes, director of the Department of Managed Health Care, discussed her order for health insurers to reinstate 26 policies that the state determined were wrongfully canceled. Ehnes also called for a simplified insurance application process to help prevent potential misstatements. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Drew University To Build Research, Nursing School
The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science announced on Friday that it soon would begin construction on a $43 million research and nursing school facility. The comprehensive nurse training facility is being funded by a state bond offering issued by the California Educational Facilities Authority. Los Angeles Times.
Cuts Could Drive Riverside Doctors From Medi-Cal
Some Riverside County physicians responding to a March survey by the Riverside County Medical Society said they will stop accepting new Medi-Cal patients or reduce office hours for patients enrolled in the program if the state cuts Medi-Cal reimbursements. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
California HMO Chief Reinstates Policies, Orders Larger Review
The Department of Managed Health Care said insurers would have to pay medical claims for 26 patients whose policies were reinstated after their coverage was wrongfully canceled. The agency also ordered a review of each policy that the five largest insurers in California have rescinded since 2004. Sacramento Bee et al.
Assembly Committee OKs Bill on Mandatory Sick Leave
On Tuesday, the Assembly Judiciary Committee approved a bill (AB 2716) that would let employees earn paid sick days. Small businesses vigorously oppose the legislation. Gov. Schwarzenegger has not taken a position on the proposal. No state has passed legislation on paid sick leave, but similar proposals are pending in Massachusetts and Ohio. Sacramento Bee.
California Agency Will Give $23 Million for Breast Cancer Research
The California Breast Cancer Research Program aims to target the grants at research in three large categories that are often overlooked in national fundraising efforts. Research topics will include racial disparities and environmental risks. San Francisco Chronicle, CBCRP release.