Latest California Healthline Stories
Hospitals Struggle To Retain On-Call Specialists for EDs
An inadequate number of specialists to treat patients in hospital emergency departments means patients must wait for care or be transported elsewhere. A reluctance to treat uninsured patients, a move toward physician-owned specialty hospitals and fear of malpractice suits are contributing to the shortage. Washington Post.
Oakland Officials To Revise ‘Medical Safety Zones’ Ordinance
Lawyers next month will recommend amendments to a city ordinance requiring protesters to stand eight feet away from individuals entering reproductive health clinics. According to a lawsuit to block the ordinance, the measure singles out abortion-rights opponents. San Francisco Chronicle.
Hospital News Roundup for Dec. 21, 2007
Community Memorial Hospital settles with U.S. Attorney’s Office for $1.52 million over allegations of illegal incentives for referring physicians; San Ramon Regional Medical Center receives zoning approval for $10 million emergency department expansion
Poll: Majority of Voters Favor Heath Care Reform Plan
A Field Poll released yesterday found that the health care reform plan backed by Gov. Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez has widespread support among California residents across party lines, age groups and income levels. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Medicare To Assign Rx Drug Plans To Some Low-Income Enrollees
Low-income Medicare beneficiaries in California who were enrolled in a plan that is no longer being offered and do not choose a new plan will automatically be assigned to one, but it might not cover their current medications. Fresno Bee.
GOP To Push Health Issues in Congressional Election
Senate Republican leaders said health care has eclipsed the Iraq war as a top issue for voters. In the 2008 congressional elections, Republicans plan to focus on providing universal access to health care by expanding private insurance. The Hill.
Few Affected by Medi-Cal Change at Simi Valley
Simi Valley Hospital has tried to transfer Medi-Cal enrollees to a nearby hospital after cutting ties with Medi-Cal this month, but the facility has been too full to accept the patients. The patients were treated at Simi Valley instead. Ventura County Star.
House Gives Final Approval to Budget, Sends to President
President Bush is expected to sign the $555 billion omnibus budget package, which includes the $600 billion Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill, 10 other unapproved 2008 appropriations bills and funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. CQ Today et al.
Survey: California Premiums Rise Higher Than National Increase
According to the California Employer Health Benefits Survey, employer-based health insurance premiums rose 8.3% in 2007, compared with 6.1% nationally. Forty-one percent of large companies said they plan to increase what employees contribute to insurance. East Bay Business Times.