Latest California Healthline Stories
Edwards To Announce Vets’ Mental Health Care Proposal
Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards is expected to announce a plan that would extend the time between soldiers’ deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and call for the Department of Veterans Affairs to hire more post-traumatic stress disorder counselors. AP/Wichita Eagle et al.
Increasing Health Costs Could Slow Charitable Donations to Hospitals
Philanthropy experts are concerned that potential hospital donors are put off by rising hospital bills and insurance premiums. Some analysts say donors’ emotional connections to a hospital have a stronger influence than their opinions on the health care system. New York Times.
Governor Defends Health Care Plan in Face of Budget Shortfall
Gov. Schwarzenegger contends that California cannot wait another year to pass comprehensive health care reform, arguing that it is linked to fixing the state’s rising budget deficit. Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez echoed the governor’s urgency but joined other lawmakers and analysts in questioning the effect of the governor’s health care plan on the economy. Los Angeles Times et al.
Medicare Beneficiaries Could Face Higher Costs for Rx Drug Coverage
Monthly fees for some Medicare prescription drug plans in California, including the two largest plans, are expected to increase significantly next year. Low-income beneficiaries who previously hadn’t paid premiums will start paying fees unless they enroll in new plans. Los Angeles Times et al.
California Antitoxics Law Cited in Nationwide Efforts
The Center for Environmental Health is using California’s landmark antitoxics law to push companies nationwide to remove lead and other potentially harmful chemicals from their products. Judgments won under the law apply only in California, but the state’s market is large enough that most firms comply nationwide. Washington Post.
Bush Calls on Democrats To Send Budget for Veterans Day
Noting the Veterans Day holiday, President Bush called on congressional Democrats to send him the fiscal year 2008 Military Construction-Veterans Affairs bill, although the legislation exceeds his discretionary spending request. AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution et al.
Medicare Claims Auditor Responds to Allegations After Bill Introduced
A company that has rejected more than 90% of Medicare claims submitted by California rehab hospitals for some procedures argued that only a small fraction of the claims have been overturned on appeal. Members of Congress from California seek an investigation. Sacramento Bee.
Gregg Pushes Leavitt To Release More Medicare Data
In a letter to HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, Sen. Judd Gregg said the release of more Medicare spending data would allow a review of health care quality and costs. Gregg has introduced a bill that would allow private groups access to such data. AP/Manchester Union Leader.
Kids’ Health Debate Tests Clout of Tobacco Industry
Philip Morris USA is sponsoring a campaign urging individuals to contact their lawmakers in support of President Bush’s veto of a State Children’s Health Insurance Program bill that would increase the federal tobacco tax to fund health insurance for more children. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Sacramento County Clinics See Recent Jump in Patients
Without an increase in funding, Sacramento County health officials are concerned that more patients will experience waits at county clinics. County leaders link the influx of patients to more Californians losing health insurance benefits at work. Sacramento Bee.