Latest California Healthline Stories
Rising Health Costs Put Spotlight on Health Care Reform Proposals
As health care costs continue to rise, an increasing number of state and local governments are developing plans to expand coverage and lower costs. Meanwhile, nearly every presidential candidate has announced a health care reform proposal. Baltimore Sun.
New Laws Will Increase Umbilical Cord Blood Storage and Research
Measures signed earlier this month by Gov. Schwarzenegger will bolster the collection and storage of umbilical cord blood for medical research or public use, as well as provide resources to pregnant women about options for donating cord blood. Sacramento Bee.
Senate Majority Leader Seeks To Limit Debate on Kids’ Health
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Friday filed a motion to limit debate on revised legislation to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. The House on Thursday approved the measure, and the Senate could vote on the bill as early as Tuesday. President Bush is expected to veto the modified bill. CQ Today et al.
Online Tool Features Community-Specific Health Care Information
The no-cost Web site features interactive maps and data comparisons by county or ZIP code to create snapshots of public health for four California counties. The tool’s data was collected by four hospitals in the region and includes obesity and death rates. Sacramento Bee.
Candidates for President Discuss Health Care Plans
Presidential candidates continue to tout their plans to reduce health care costs and expand access. Meanwhile, 46% of adults responding to a recent survey said Democrats were better suited to improve access to health care than Republicans, compared with 19% who favored Republicans. AP/Long Island Newsday et al.
President Bush Criticizes Democrats for Delayed Spending Bills
President Bush continues to criticize Democrats for failing to send him any of the 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2008, which began on Oct. 1. The House and Senate have not yet resolved differences in the spending bill that they’ve approved. Washington Post et al.
Leasing Lottery To Finance Health Reform Is Too Risky
An editorial argues that Gov. Schwarzenegger’s plan to partially fund health care reform by leasing the state lottery to a private group is a bad idea because its financial benefit is uncertain and the move could lead to more problem gamblers. Sacramento Bee.
Air Quality From Wildfires Still at Unhealthy Levels
The air quality is improving in some parts of the region affected by the wildfires, but children, the elderly and those with respiratory and cardiac illnesses are advised to remain indoors. Meanwhile, San Diego County’s only burn center has treated 47 victims as of Sunday. Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune.
Kaiser To Reduce Premiums for Medicare Advantage Plan
Kaiser Permanente next year will charge a monthly premium of $74 for its Senior Advantage Medical Plan, down from $99 this year. The HMO also is eliminating the coverage gap for generic prescription drugs. Modesto Bee.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: Oct. 29, 2007
The Maryland Legislature kicks off special session to consider options for expanding health insurance coverage; Wisconsin approves tobacco tax hike to provide near-universal coverage for children