Latest California Healthline Stories
Report Underlines Success of Kids’ Health Program
An editorial urges lawmakers to heed the findings of a recent report highlighting the success of Healthy Kids programs in California counties as they consider future funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Vacaville Reporter.
Poll Finds Continued Support for Governor, Health Care Reform Deal
More than half of voters continue to back Gov. Schwarzenegger and his health reform plan, even after he laid out major funding cuts to bridge the state budget deficit. Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez says the budget plan doesn’t reflect Californians’ values. Los Angeles Times et al.
Federal Rules Head Off Cost Hikes for Unhealthy Workers
New Department of Labor rules governing employer wellness programs clarify that employers cannot charge different premiums for healthy and unhealthy workers. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, employers must offer the same premiums to all workers in the same health plan. Wall Street Journal.
Governor’s Spending Plan Would Cut Into Federal Matching Funds
An Assembly analysis projects that Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposed cuts to Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and other programs would cost the state about $1.5 billion in federal funds. Critics argue that the cuts will affect beneficiaries’ access to services, and the Legislative Analyst criticized the plan’s across-the-board spending cuts. Sacramento Bee et al.
New California Law Aims To Reduce Kids’ Dental Problems
The law requires children to receive dental checkups before kindergarten or first grade. A children’s health advocate says it is a good first step but does not address a dentist shortage. About 24% of children statewide have never seen a dentist. Oakland Tribune.
Speculation Surrounds Governor’s Endorsement of Term Limits Measure
Opponents of the term limits measure question whether Gov. Schwarzenegger reversed his stance on a ballot measure backed by Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez to win Núñez’s support on health care reform. Núñez is a key supporter of the term limits change. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.
Retiree Health Benefits for Public Workers Too Generous
An editorial argues that a recent report estimating how much state and local governments will face over the next three decades in covering retiree health costs also should have ordered lawmakers to reduce the unsustainable levels of coverage for California retirees. Modesto Bee.
Majority of Adults Back Health Insurance Mandates, Survey Finds
More than two-thirds of adults believe that all U.S. residents should be required to obtain health insurance, with government assistance for those who cannot afford it. Democrats were more likely than Republicans or Independents to support a mandate. Reuters et al.
Senate Health Panel Delays Hearing on Health Care Reform Legislation
The hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed until Jan. 23 to allow time for the Legislative Analyst’s Office to complete a report assessing the budget implications of the health care reform plan. The Assembly approved the bill last month. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Health Bills Await Congress at Start of New Session
As the congressional session begins on Tuesday, House lawmakers will continue work on a defense authorization bill that includes funding for improving veterans’ health care. House Democrats also are planning an override vote of President Bush’s veto of a bill to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. New York Times et al.