Latest California Healthline Stories
Congressional Action Needed To Help Local Health Reform
An attorney and academic argues that a federal law governing the regulation of employee health benefits should be modified to boost efforts by state and local governments to expand health insurance coverage. San Francisco Chronicle.
U.S. Senate Approves Revised Kids’ Health Insurance Bill
President Bush said he would veto the measure, which is similar to a bill to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program that he vetoed last month. Republican and Democratic leaders are continuing talks in hopes of crafting a bill that can win a veto-proof majority in the House. Washington Post et al.
Deal on Health Care Reform a Possibility in California
An editorial calls on Gov. Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez to drop some of the more contentious provisions of their health care reform proposals and charge ahead with negotiations on a deal to overhaul California’s health care system. Sacramento Bee.
Democratic Candidates Push Health Care in Campaigns
Democratic presidential candidates Chris Dodd launched ads criticizing Hillary Rodham Clinton’s health plan, while John Edwards receives an endorsement from the New Hampshire chapter of the Service Employees International Union and Barack Obama comments on health care at a campaign rally. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
San Mateo County Studies Options To Expand Coverage
San Mateo County is considering options to help fund its plan to extend health coverage to residents with a household income that doesn’t exceed 400% of the federal poverty level. Employer contributions seem to be the best option for funding, a UC-Berkeley official said. MediaNews/Oakland Tribune.
Survey Finds U.S. Health Spending Tops Other Nations’
New research from the Commonwealth Fund indicates that U.S. residents have more problems accessing medical services despite spending double what other nations allocate to health care. Reuters.
Care Coordinators for Veterans, Soldiers Win OK
The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments signed on to an agreement to provide care coordinators for veterans and injured soldiers. A presidential commission studying military health care advocated creating the position earlier this year. Washington Post, AP/Contra Costa Times.
McCain Clarifies Parts of Health Care Reform Proposal
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain explained that his health reform plan would preserve a tax deduction for employers that provide health insurance benefits. Includes other election news. AP/Boston Globe et al.