Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care Reform Bill Faces Tough Test in Senate Hearing
The health care reform plan by Gov. Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez goes before the Senate Health Committee on Wednesday, and committee Chair Sheila Kuehl is expected to criticize the bill for not doing enough to control health insurance costs or establish minimum coverage requirements for employers. The Assembly passed the measure in December. AP/Sacramento Bee et al.
Health Reform Around the Nation: January 22, 2008
Facing a budget deficit in Maryland, Gov. Martin O’Malley proposes $68 million in cuts to Medicaid, made possible by lower-than-expected enrollment. Elsewhere, Georgia receives federal assistance to address a funding shortfall in its version of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Physicians Decry Cuts to Medi-Cal Payments in Governor’s Budget Plan
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s fiscal year 2008-2009 budget proposal would cut about $1 billion in state funds from Medi-Cal, including lower payments to physicians. Doctors say lower reimbursements will erode access to specialists. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Denied Coverage for Insured Patients Warrants Attention
Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus writes that policymakers need to address not just the uninsured, but “those who are fully insured and still struggle for coverage of necessary treatments.” He cites the case of a California woman who was denied coverage from Blue Shield of California. Los Angeles Times.
Bush Will Look To Trim Role of Government in Health Care System
The Bush administration’s 2008 health care agenda centers on limiting federal government involvement in health care delivery, putting the White House at odds with several Democratic proposals. Analysts expect few compromises in the last months of Bush’s term. AP/Miami Herald.
Google Announces Grants To Fight Global Health Threats
Grants from Google’s philanthropic division include a $5 million grant to a not-for-profit group that will use technology to improve information sharing and prevent disease outbreaks. Google also will award a $2.5 million grant to a program to respond to biological threats. San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal.
Bush Speech Could Include Medicare Physician Fee Plan
President Bush is expected to announce his plan for changing the Medicare physician fee formula during his State of the Union address next week. Lawmakers working on legislation to delay a scheduled fee cut are awaiting the proposal. CongressDaily.
Universal Health Care Tops Union Policy Agenda in 2008
The Service Employees International Union plans to spend at least $75 million to lobby for universal health care in the months running up to the presidential election. The group also will focus on Medicaid funding and nursing home regulation in 2008. CongressDaily.
Patients Slow To Use Quality Report Cards on Doctors, Hospitals
Despite the breadth of rating systems for health care providers, proponents are finding that patients are not turning to the data when deciding where to get care. The reports have been criticized as being confusing, contradictory and too general. San Francisco Business Times.
Health Care at Center of Debate on Immigration
Calculating the cost of treating undocumented immigrants is difficult because providers do not ask patients about their residency status. In addition, many undocumented immigrants are hesitant to seek care because of fear of deportation, delaying care until their condition is critical and more expensive to treat. USA Today.