Latest California Healthline Stories
Federal Grants Provide $417M To Connect Rural Providers Online
The Federal Communications Commission pilot project will fund broadband communication lines for about 6,000 rural hospitals to connect them with medical resources in urban areas. A $22.1 million grant to the California Telehealth Network will link about 300 facilities to improve patient-physician interaction and expand mental health counseling in rural areas. Washington Post, FCC release.
Snags in Congressional Negotiations Delay Mental Health Parity Bill
Legislation that would require health insurers to provide the same level of coverage for mental health as for physical ailments might not pass this year because negotiators are at odds over some issues. The House version of the bill would go farther than the Senate’s measure. CongressDaily.
Physician Group Chief Backs Governor on Health Reform
The CEO of the California Association of Physician Groups says an overhauled California health care system should be built on the model of physician groups to maximize coordination of care and help control costs. San Jose Mercury News.
Employers, Insurers Step Up Recovery of Accident Costs
More employers and health plans are using a practice called “subrogation” to recoup medical expenses from workers who collect damages in civil injury lawsuits after accidents. As medical costs continue to rise, the companies maintain the process helps protect other employees in the plan. Wall Street Journal.
Survey: About 10% of Family Care Providers’ Wages Go to Elder Care
A survey by the National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare found that adults who care for elderly parents or spouses spend about $5,500 per year on out-of-pocket costs. Household goods and transportation accounted for some of the largest expenses. New York Times.
Software Advances Goal of State Seismic Safety Law
Two California state senators voice support for a state board’s decision to permit the use of a software tool to re-evaluate hospital buildings’ structural risks from earthquakes, arguing that the move will help ease the cost of complying with the law for many hospitals. Sacramento Bee.
Massachusetts Insurance Law an Issue in 2008 Campaign
Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and John Edwards both have included an individual mandate in their health care proposals, similar to Massachusetts’ health insurance law that requires all residents to obtain coverage. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has distanced himself from the law in his presidential campaign. Washington Post et al.
House Republicans Reject Proposal for Omnibus Bill
The Democrats’ proposal would have combined the 11 unapproved FY 2008 appropriations bills into a $484.2 billion omnibus package and compromised on the difference between the amount of spending sought by Democrats and requested by President Bush. Roll Call, CQ Today.
Kaiser, Sutter Health Lead Physician Hiring in Northern California
Independent physician practices worry that Kaiser and Sutter Health’s Palo Alto Medical Foundation will make it more difficult for smaller groups to attract new doctors by offering salaries and benefits that smaller practices can’t compete with. San Francisco Business Times.
UC Regents To Consider New Medical School at UC-Merced
UC-Merced hopes a medical school will increase the number of physicians in the region, which currently lags behind the statewide average in primary care doctors. If approved, the school would begin enrollment in 2013. Modesto Bee.