Latest California Healthline Stories
State Faces Enrollment Choices in Debate Over Kids’ Health Insurance
State officials will meet next week to decide whether to freeze or cut enrollment in California’s version of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. A standoff between President Bush and Congress has put federal funding in question. KPCC’s “Patt Morrison,” San Diego Union-Tribune.
Federal Health Chief Touts Personalized Medicine
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said that the Human Genome Project and other research efforts can help improve health care in the U.S. by pushing the system to prioritize effective care over the amount of care a patient received. Boston Globe.
Seeking Unpaid Bills, Hospitals Adopt High-Interest Payment Plans
Hospitals are seeking new methods of collecting unpaid patient bills that are based on high-interest plans similar to credit cards. Some consumers have complained that they were not fully aware of the program details after enrolling in such plans. BusinessWeek.
Medicare Beneficiaries Mull Options for Drug Coverage
Many private insurers have raised premiums or altered coverage for the third year of the Medicare prescription drug benefit. In California, premiums will increase an average of 24%. The open-enrollment period ends Dec. 31. KPCC’s “The California Report,” KQED’s “This Week.”
Bush Pick To Head VA Pledges Health Care Reform
In a questionnaire submitted to a Senate committee, retired Army Lt. Gen. James Peake promised to streamline the health systems for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense and prioritize treatment of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. AP/Houston Chronicle.
Vote on Health Care Reform Postponed, Talks Continue
Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez once again has delayed a vote on health care reform because lawmakers haven’t reached a deal with Gov. Schwarzenegger. Meanwhile, a potential leadership change at a major labor union could boost support for a compromise with the governor. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” Los Angeles Times.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of Nov. 29, 2007
The Joint Commission restores full accreditation to Methodist Hospital and downgrades Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center to provisional status. Community Regional Medical projects a profit for the first time in four years.