Latest California Healthline Stories
Uninsured, Medical Costs Top Voters’ Health Care Concerns
A new Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive poll found that Democrats and Independents want presidential candidates to address health coverage for the uninsured, while most Republicans say containing medical costs is the most important health-related issue. Wall Street Journal.
Physicians Seek Advance Payment for Some Vaccines
Recommended vaccines are becoming more expensive as reimbursements for administering the medication decrease, prompting physicians to begin requiring that patients pay in advance before receiving some immunizations. San Francisco Chronicle.
6 California Hospitals Included on National List of Top Hospitals
Forty-one hospitals nationwide qualified for the annual list put together by the Leapfrog Group, a coalition of major health care purchasers pushing for health care reform. In California, two children’s hospitals and four acute-care facilities made the grade. San Francisco Business Times.
San Francisco Health Access Program Could Become Model
A labor expert said the Healthy San Francisco program that expanded citywide this week sends a message to federal officials that universal access to health care services is possible. The city is the first in the U.S. to provide such a program. Chicago Tribune.
Democrats Close to Deal on Compromise Kids’ Health Insurance Bill
Congressional aides say that lawmakers soon might announce a compromise on legislation to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. A draft compromise bill closely resembles the Senate version of SCHIP legislation. CQ Today et al.
S.F. Mulls ID Card for Undocumented Immigrants
A supervisor in San Francisco contends that his proposal for city-issued identification cards would help undocumented immigrants obtain health care services and would not violate federal immigration laws. San Francisco Chronicle.
Governor Optimistic That Voters Will OK Health Reform Funding
Gov. Schwarzenegger said he believes that a ballot measure that would require health care providers to pay fees and employers to contribute toward health care coverage would receive backing from business groups, labor unions and hospitals. Meanwhile, editorials and columnists weigh in on whether lawmakers and the governor can broker a deal on health care reform. Los Angeles Times et al.
Schwarzenegger, Former President Clinton Take On Childhood Obesity
Former President Clinton commended Gov. Schwarzenegger for steps he has taken to combat childhood obesity. The two appeared at a San Diego County school to promote fitness among school children. San Gabriel Valley Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune newsblog.