Latest California Healthline Stories
Union Asks Núñez Not To Vote on Health Care Reform
The California Nurses Association argues that Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez should abstain from voting on health care reform proposals before the legislature. The unions maintains that Núñez’s wife’s position at an organization backed by the hospital industry is a conflict of interest. Sacramento Bee.
U.S. Residents Divided on Children’s Health Insurance, Survey Finds
A new survey finds that the majority of U.S. residents trust Democrats to handle issues related to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, but a majority of respondents also agree with President Bush that the program’s focus should be on low-income families. USA Today et al.
Former Treasury Secretary Pushes Health Care Reform
Paul O’Neill, a former secretary of the Department of Treasury, urges a new approach to health care reform in the U.S. and calls for an expansion of health insurance coverage that also stresses individual responsibility. New York Times.
Report Pushes Alternatives to Job-Based Health Care
A report by the Committee for Economic Development, made up of university and business leaders, argues that employer-based health care coverage is failing because of rising costs and calls for a system that provides low-cost, quality health plans that are chosen by individuals rather than employers. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.
Groups Put Pressure on Hospitals To Reduce Patient Infections
In response to the growing number of hospital infections, patient safety groups and federal officials are putting pressure on hospitals to prevent infections. For example, CMS next year will stop reimbursing hospitals for treating preventable errors or infections. USA Today.
Ventura County Expects Drop in School Medicaid Funds
CMS plans to slash Medi-Cal reimbursements for transporting special needs students and other outreach efforts because federal officials say the services support education programs, rather than programs for low-income children. Education officials said students will not lose the transportation services. Ventura County Star.
Bush Faults Democrats for Inaction on Spending Bills
President Bush criticized Democrats for not yet sending him any of the 12 fiscal year 2008 appropriations bills. Bush also reiterated his threat to veto a number of the bills, saying that the spending bills would lead to higher taxes. CongressDaily et al.
Pharmacy Benefit Manager To Launch Rx Drug Review System
Medco Health Solutions’ review system is intended to cut medical errors. Computers will flag incoming prescriptions for patients with chronic health conditions, and pharmacists will look for dosing errors and adverse medication interactions. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Consumer, Labor Leaders Unite Against Governor’s Health Plan
After reviewing Gov. Schwarzenegger’s revised health care reform plan, labor unions and consumer advocates have decided to actively oppose the plan. Previously, the groups tried to persuade the governor to include changes they preferred, including raising the amount that employers would be required to contribute to health insurance costs. Los Angeles Times et al.
Núñez’s Wife’s Ties to Hospital Industry Draw Fire
Maria Robles, wife of Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, works for a not-for-profit advocacy group on a salary that is partially funded by the California Hospital Association, a key lobbyist in the health care reform debate. Robles denies that she influences Núñez’s voting record. Sacramento Bee.