Latest California Healthline Stories
Democrats Emphasize Impact of Budget Cuts on Health, Schools
Senate Democrats said they would seek to prioritize spending for some programs rather than approve across-the-board spending cuts proposed by Gov. Schwarzenegger. Last week California’s legislative analyst urged lawmakers to reject the governor’s budget approach, noting that Medi-Cal cuts could hinder beneficiaries’ access to health care services. Sacramento Bee.
Dems Mull Reconciliation To Halt Physician Fee Cut
On Tuesday leaders of the House and Senate budget committees said that they are considering using the budget reconciliation process to push Medicare legislation that would include a provision to stop a 10% cut to physician fees. Republican lawmakers criticized the potential plan to use the reconciliation process. CongressDaily.
Governors Fault U.S. Rules on Kids’ Health Coverage
Three Democratic governors asked Congress on Tuesday to block a rule proposed by the Bush administration that governors say has made it difficult for states to expand their versions of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. AP/Houston Chronicle.
California Regulators Investigate Blue Cross Cancellation Practices
State investigators are looking into two potential violations of California law related to letters that Blue Cross of California sent to doctors asking them to identify conditions people might have left off of their applications. Capitol Weekly, KQED’s “California Report.”
Bill Would Require All California Employers To Offer Paid Sick Leave
Small businesses would not be exempt from the mandate, although the bill would permit employers of all sizes to cap the number of paid sick days employees could use during one year. The bill is modeled after a San Francisco law that took effect in 2007. San Jose Mercury News.
Supporters Lobby for Approval of Bill Setting Hospice Licensing Rules
The California bill would allow groups to get licenses for hospice facilities in residential settings. California law currently requires facilities operating hospices to be licensed as a nursing home or another type of health facility. Ventura County Star.
Senate OKs Indian Health Reauthorization Legislation
On Tuesday the Senate voted 83-10 to approve the Indian Health Care Improvement Act reauthorization bill. The legislation would allocate $35 billion over 10 years into the Indian Health Service to boost health care for 1.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Sonoma County Health Agency Weighs Budget Cuts
Declining revenue from federal, state and county programs are pushing Sonoma County health officials to consider ending inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation services. Private facilities are terminating similar programs in the area. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
New Network at UCLA Will Study Racial Health Gaps
The UCLA Department of Family Medicine is launching a program that will focus on health care disparities among minority patients with chronic diseases. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is providing funding for the initiative. UCLA News.
S.F. Ballot Measure Aims To Control Rising Retiree Health Benefits Costs
The proposed ballot measure would create a two-tier retiree health care system that would preserve existing benefits for current employees but extend the term of service to qualify for full retiree benefits for new hires. The city faces $4 billion in unfunded retiree health costs. San Francisco Chronicle.