Latest California Healthline Stories
Costs of Massachusetts Health Care Overhaul Rising Above Projections
In his budget plan, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick said the state would need $400 million more than initially expected to cover the costs of the state’s health care coverage expansion in fiscal year 2009, drawing concerns about the program from some analysts. Boston Globe.
Retail Health Clinics Expand Across Southern California
MinuteClinic, a CVS subsidiary, expanded its Southern California operations last year as part of a growing response to patient demands for convenient health services. Some providers, such as those at Sutter Health System, also are opening retail clinics. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
House Unsuccessful in Override Attempt of Kids’ Health Veto
The House fell 15 votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to override President Bush’s second veto of a bill to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. House Democrats said they will revisit the issue this year. New York Times et al.
Judge Orders Change in Oversight of California Prison Medical System
Judge Thelton Henderson, who appointed Robert Sillen as prison medical receiver in April 2006, said he hoped Sillen’s replacement would move “into an implementation phase” to bring prison health care in California up to a Constitutional level. AP/Ventura County Star et al.
California Senate Panel’s Vote on Health Reform Plan Delayed
Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata asked the Senate Health Committee to postpone a vote on compromise health care reform legislation until Monday. With no committee Republicans supporting the bill and two Democrats on the record as opposing it, the bill appears to be one vote shy of passing out of the committee. Ventura County Star et al.
Medicaid Funding Unlikely in Economic Stimulus Plan
In talks over an economic stimulus package, Republicans questioned whether providing a temporary funding boost for state Medicaid programs would have much effect on helping the economy. Lawmakers hope to send the package to the president by mid-February. CongressDaily, CQ Today.
Sutter Health Could Face Big Payout to Staff for Missed Meal, Rest Breaks
Sutter Health employees are seeking compensation for years of missed meals and rest breaks under an April 2007 state Supreme Court ruling that expanded workplace protections. Eighty claims are on hold while a larger audit in conjunction with the state is under way. Sacramento Bee.
Diabetes Cost Nears That of Cancer, Report Finds
A report from the American Diabetes Association found that costs related to diabetes in the U.S. increased from $132 billion to $174 billion in 2007. The report found that most of the cost comes when the disease is unmanaged, although routine care to treat the condition has a relatively low cost. Richmond Times-Dispatch et al.
Group Charges That Núñez Violated Rules on Donations
The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights maintains that Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez improperly directed how contributions to a charity were spent. Blue Cross of California and a workers’ compensation insurer were among the donors. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
House Unlikely To Override Bush’s Veto of Kids’ Health Bill
Supporters are about 12 votes short of overriding a second presidential veto of a bill to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Democrats are tying the expansion to the weak economy, saying more families will need to rely on the program. CongressDaily et al.