Latest California Healthline Stories
Federal Job Outsourcing Adds to Growth of Uninsured
The number of federal contract employees doubled to 5.4 million from 1990 to 2005, according to Paul Light, a political scientist at New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service and specialist on government employees. These workers do not share the same health benefits that federal employees receive. Wall Street Journal.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of March 25
A proposal in New Jersey would require all residents to obtain health insurance within three years and create a new state-funded plan to help residents obtain coverage. Elsewhere, Montana considers a ballot measure on children’s coverage and Arizona weighs help for small businesses.
Scripps Med School To Focus on Research, Patient Care
The Scripps Research Institute and Scripps Health plan to launch the country’s first medical school focused entirely on training physicians for dual careers in research and patient care. The Scripps institute needs to raise $150 million in startup funding for the medical school, and organizers plan to accept their inaugural group of students in 2013. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Expected Lawsuit Seeks To Block Cuts to Medi-Cal Provider Pay
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is expected to announce a lawsuit that seeks to stop more than $500 million in Medi-Cal cuts to health care providers. The Legislative Analyst’s Office warns that the move will push doctors to drop out of the program, sending more people to hospital emergency departments for medical care. Los Angeles Times et al.
Hospitals Step Up Efforts To Safeguard Patient Records
California hospitals are taking steps to safeguard patients’ electronic health records. Several area hospitals have recently disciplined and fired employees for prying into patients’ records. Hospital officials maintain that unauthorized access is rare and that it is typically driven by curiosity, not the intent to share data or cause harm. Fresno Bee.
Life Expectancy Varies by Income, Federal Study Finds
A new federal study found that there is a growing disparity between the life expectancies of higher- and lower-income U.S. residents. The study found that although life expectancies increased for all residents during the last two decades, higher-income residents experienced a larger increase than lower-income residents. New York Times.
TB Cases in San Joaquin County Drop in 2007
The number of reported tuberculosis cases in San Joaquin County dropped from 78 cases in 2006 to 51 cases in 2007. Officials say the 34.6% decrease is a positive sign that public health efforts to control TB are effective. San Joaquin County now has the 12th highest TB rate out of the state’s 58 counties. Stockton Record.
Report Cites Language Barriers in L.A. County That Affect Health Care
One in three residents of Los Angeles County faces language barriers that could make it more difficult to navigate the health care system, a new report finds. Immigrant advocates say more English language classes and interpreters are needed. Los Angeles Times.