Latest California Healthline Stories
Sustained Rise in Nursing Students Could End Shortage
A recent study by UC-San Francisco’s Center for California Health Workforce Studies found that the number of nursing school graduates continues to grow, but policymakers must ensure funding for nursing programs to sustain the growth. Oakland Tribune.
Rate of Uninsured California Residents Continues To Grow
Columnist Dan Walters cites a new California HealthCare Foundation study that linked a growing rate of uninsured Californians to a steady decline in employer-based coverage. Sacramento Bee’s “Capitol Alert.”
New Medicare Payment Incentives Would Reward Hospital Quality
Under the proposal, Medicare hospital reimbursements would be cut 2% to 5% to fund an incentive pool to pay facilities that meet quality-of-care standards. Hospitals would be scored on patient outcomes, adhering to clinical practices and other areas. Wall Street Journal et al.
Time Running Out for Negotiations on Health Care Reform Proposal
The Assembly is scheduled to vote on a health care reform plan next week, giving Gov. Schwarzenegger and Democratic leaders a few days to broker a deal. The governor has met with legislative leaders of both parties in hopes of advancing talks on the issue. AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Emergency 911 System Fails To Track All Wireless Calls
A review of 911 wireless calls in California between August and September found that 20% of calls to the California Highway Patrol’s call center had no location information. Callers to the state’s busiest call centers also experience long delays or dropped calls. Los Angeles Times.
Clinton Proposes Stricter Health Insurance Regulations
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton (N.Y) said health insurance companies can easily leave states with less favorable laws for ones with preferable regulations. She also criticized rival Sen. Barack Obama’s (Ill.) health plan and outlined an HIV/AIDS initiative. AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution et al.
Study Finds Lower Use of EDs by Undocumented Immigrants
An Archives of Internal Medicine study found that undocumented Latin American immigrants in California are less likely than U.S.-born Latinos to visit an emergency department or doctor. Researchers said the data contradict the notion that immigrants are a large burden on the health system. Los Angeles Times.
Acting Medicare Chief Poses as Drug Benefit Plan Shopper
As part of CMS’ “secret shopper” program, acting agency administrator Kerry Weems pretended to shop for a Medicare prescription drug benefit plan for his mother. A congressional hearing this year found that many beneficiaries are happy with their Medicare Advantage plans but that some deceptive marketing practices occur. AP/Contra Costa Times.
Longer Patient Life Expectancies Affecting Finances for Hospices
CMS has begun demanding repayments from hospices that surpass reimbursement limits during long hospice stays. The Medicare hospice program was originally designed for patients with life expectancies of fewer than six months, but some patients live much longer. New York Times.
Debate Continues Over Healthy San Francisco Plan
Two opinion pieces weigh in on the Golden Gate Restaurant Association’s challenge to mandatory employer contributions that will help finance a new program in San Francisco that seeks to provide access to health care services for all uninsured residents. San Francisco Chronicle.