Latest California Healthline Stories
Democratic Candidates Questioned on Health Care in Latest Debate
The eight Democratic candidates pledged they would make health care reform a priority if elected president. Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden said Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s universal coverage attempt in the 1990s could hinder her current plan. Manchester Union Leader, et al.
Study Disputes Safety Concerns About Thimerosal
A CDC study in the New England Journal of Medicine examined medical records of more than 1,000 children and found the mercury-based vaccine preservative thimerosal does not cause learning problems or developmental delays. Los Angeles Times et al.
Hospitals Fund New Nursing Program in Ventura County
Six area hospitals contributed about $400,000 to launch a nurse education program at California State University-Channel Islands. The university president said private donations were needed because state funding wasn’t available for the program. Ventura County Star.
House Passes Spending Bill To Extend Temporary Funding
The Senate is expected to sign the bill, which would fund federal agencies through Nov. 16 while Bush and Democrats negotiate appropriations bills. The bill also temporarily extends the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. AP/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, CQ Today.
Report: Pledges on Military Health Care Not Carried Out
A Government Accountability Office report found that poor care for veterans at military medical hospital continues to be a problem because of staff shortages and communication issues. Washington Post et al.
Federal Employer Law Could Derail California Health Reform
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act, a federal law governing employer health benefits, could limit Gov. Schwarzenegger and lawmakers from using employer contributions to help fund a health care reform plan. The law also could affect funding provisions for San Francisco’s universal health access program. Christian Science Monitor, MediaNews/Contra Costa Times.
Census Data Show Drop in U.S. Residents Living in Nursing Homes
A smaller percentage of elderly U.S. residents lived in nursing homes in 2006 than did in 2000 or 1990, a change that some policy experts say reflects an expanded array of elder-care options, particularly for more affluent people. USA Today.
Medicare Audits at California Rehab Hospitals Suspended
CMS has suspended a pilot program that had a private contractor audit Medicare claims after California rehabilitation hospitals complained that many claims rejections were improper. Hospitals warned that the program could hurt Medicare beneficiaries’ access to care. Sacramento Bee.