Latest California Healthline Stories
Lawmakers Mull Future of Kids’ Health Bill if Veto Override Fails
A leading Senate supporter of the bill said he will push negotiations with the Bush administration if the House doesn’t override the president’s veto of a State Children’s Health Insurance Program bill. House Democrats are aiming to cover 10 million kids under the program. Los Angeles Times et al.
Cases of Drug-Resistant Staph Infections on the Rise in U.S., Study Finds
The findings of a new study indicate that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are much more common than previously thought. The study found that 94,000 U.S. residents developed invasive MRSA infections in 2005. Chicago Tribune et al.
Bush Sends Proposal to Congress To Revamp Veterans’ Health Care
President Bush’s proposal seeks to eliminate the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs’ parallel disability evaluation systems, reduce bureaucracy and provide more assistance to families of soldiers with long-term care needs. Washington Post et al.
L.A. County Launches Fund for Retiree Health Costs
The county’s retiree health care obligations are projected to exceed $20 billion over the next 30 years, pushing the county to start a new trust fund to supplement its current pay-as-you-go strategy. Los Angeles Times.
California Health Efforts Serve as Nationwide Models
A new program in Howard County, Md., to provide access to health care services for uninsured residents follows similar efforts launched in San Francisco earlier this year. Meanwhile, California’s new ban on a chemical in children’s products may become a model for a ban in other states and possibly nationwide. Washington Post et al.
Medical School Enrollment Hits Record High in U.S.
Medical school enrollment increased 2.6% from 2006 with 17,759 students admitted to 123 schools in 2007, according to a new study. Meanwhile, the number of medical school applicants increased 8.2% from 2006 to 42,315 students. Bloomberg, CQ HealthBeat.
California Health Reform Could Affect Presidential Elections
A new push by labor unions to oppose Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care reform plan could pose problems for Democratic presidential candidates with similar plans, particularly Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. If health care reform fails in California, it could take some pressure off Republican presidential candidates to address health care. San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today.
Ventura County Ends Mental Health Program for Homeless
During its six years of operation, the program was considered effective at reducing hospitalizations and boosting employment of homeless people with mental illnesses. The county lost $917,000 in funding for the program when Gov. Schwarzenegger passed the state budget. Ventura County Star.
Most Medical School Heads Have Ties to Drug Companies
A new study finds that about 60% of department heads at U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals have financial relationships with pharmaceutical or medical device firms. The lead author of the study said that the findings indicate that these companies are involved in all aspects of medical care. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer.
Study: Health Insurance a Major Expense for Families in California
Health insurance is the fourth-biggest expense for families who do not receive employer-based coverage in California. New research shows families in the state need incomes significantly higher than they would have in minimum wage jobs to cover basic costs. Sacramento Bee et al.