Latest California Healthline Stories
Presidential Campaign Marks Resurgence of Health Care Reform
The 2008 presidential candidates can take several lessons from past attempts to overhaul the health care system, according to health policy professor Jonathan Oberlander, who explores the history of the issue in the New England Journal of Medicine. WBUR’s “Here & Now.”
Health Reform Around the Nation: November, 26, 2007
Illinois Gov. Blagojevich moves forward with his proposed health coverage expansion despite opposition from a legislative panel. In Colorado, an advisory panel approves recommendations that would require all state residents to obtain health insurance or face tax penalties.
Federal Health Chief Stumps for Medicare IT Project
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt touts a recently announced plan by Medicare to encourage small- and medium-size physician offices to adopt electronic health record systems, arguing that physicians’ slow IT adoption is dangerous. San Jose Mercury News.
Clinton, Obama Up Criticism of Each Other’s Health Plans
Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton said rival Barack Obama’s health care reform proposal would leave ” 15 million people uncovered” because it would not require all U.S. residents to obtain health insurance. Obama said his plan “goes further in cutting costs than any other proposal offered in this race.” AP/Boston Globe et al.
Funding Shortfall for Kids’ Health Insurance Sparks Action in States
As the federal debate over the State Children’s Health Insurance Program drags on, states are weighing options for dealing with funding shortfalls for the program. California officials have approved a wait list and plans to drop some kids’ coverage. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Group Alleges Conflict of Interest at Stem Cell Agency
John Reed, president of the Burnham Institute for Medical Research, has come under fire for formally criticizing a decision by scientific reviewers to deny a grant to his organization. Reed also sits on the oversight board of California’s stem cell agency. San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Bee.
Congress Unlikely To OK Bush Health Care Proposals
Bush has not received support from Congress for his proposal to offer tax credits to help U.S. residents purchase private health insurance. In his second term, Bush mostly has focused on the Iraq war and the economy and shifted his domestic goals toward small initiatives that do not require congressional approval. Chicago Tribune et al.
Small-Business Owners Have Broader Health Care Choices
Options such as consumer-directed health plans and cooperative coverage plans are making it more feasible for small-business owners to offer health insurance to workers. California and some other states are offering subsidies and credits to employers that offer health insurance or penalizing businesses that do not. Wall Street Journal.
Hurdles Remain for Compromise on California Health Care Reform
Even if Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislative leaders reach a deal on health care reform this year, they still will have to fend off attempts to overturn the law. Tobacco and pharmaceutical companies are expected to strongly oppose the funding mechanism for a reworked state health care system, while a separate ballot referendum could void reform. Sacramento Bee et al.
More Patients Experiencing Harm From Rx Drug Errors
Serious injuries from hospital medication errors more than doubled from 1998 to 2005, while deaths from the errors tripled. Computer systems that check bar codes on drug labels for dosage and medication information could help reduce mistakes. Los Angeles Times.