Latest California Healthline Stories
House Sends Omnibus Budget Package to Senate for Vote
The $516 billion omnibus budget package approved by the House includes $600.1 billion in total spending and $145.1 billion in discretionary spending for the Labor-HHS-Education section, as well as funding for FDA, USDA and veterans’ health. The Senate could vote as early as today. Los Angeles Times et al.
Report Lays Out ‘Menu of Options’ To Improve U.S. Care, Lower Costs
The Commonwealth Fund report outlines 15 reforms that would expand health insurance coverage and lower health spending by $1.5 trillion by reducing inefficiency. Taxes on tobacco products, soft drinks and health insurance premiums would fund the reforms. Los Angeles Times.
Budget Report Projects $45T Deficit for Federal Benefits
The U.S. Treasury Department and the Office of Management and Budget report that the deficit for Medicare, Social Security and other federal benefits has increased 67.8% since 2003, when it was about $26.9 trillion. Lawmakers said the programs could be in peril without quick action on entitlement reform. AP/Houston Chronicle, CongressDaily.
S.F. Could Levy Fee on Soda Retailers To Combat Obesity
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom could levy a fee on big-box retailers and chain drugstores that sell drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup, which the mayor believes contributes to childhood obesity. San Francisco Chronicle.
Senate Negotiators Close to Deal on Medicare Package
The package would include language to extend the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and would delay for six months the Medicare physician fee cut scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2008. The Senate could vote as early as today. CQ Today et al.
Health Reform Around the Nation: December 17, 2007
Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman’s budget plan includes higher eligibility limits for Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, while Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine’s budget would subsidize health insurance for uninsured women and small businesses.
GOP Leader: Medicare Bill Requires Unanimous Consent
Medicare legislation that would reverse a scheduled 10% physician fee cut must pass by unanimous consent, according to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. A bill is expected in the Senate before the end of this legislative session, but the measure likely will contain only the bare essentials. CongressDaily, CQ HealthBeat.
Indiana To Offer Health Savings Accounts to Low-Income Residents
HHS last week approved a Medicaid waiver to let Indiana enroll residents with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level in a state-subsidized, high-deductible health care plan similar to a health savings account. CQ HealthBeat, AP/Houston Chronicle.
UCSF Fires Former FDA Commissioner Kessler as Dean of Medical School
David Kessler declined to say whether he would challenge his dismissal as leader of UCSF’s medical school, which he maintains was sparked by his raising concerns about the school’s financial position. UCSF leaders say independent reviews found no basis to the claims. Los Angeles Times et al.
Schwarzenegger, Núñez Reach Accord on Health Care Reform
Gov. Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez have reached a tentative agreement on a health care reform plan that would require nearly all residents to obtain coverage and would be partially funded by a tobacco tax hike. Don Perata, the Senate leader, harbors reservations about the plan and could stop it from winning approval. AP/Ventura County Star et al.