Latest California Healthline Stories
Chair of California Mental Health Panel Announces Resignation
Sen. Darrell Steinberg is leaving the Mental Health Oversight and Accountability Commission after serving as chair since its launch in July 2005. The commission supervises how counties spend money from a state tax increase to fund mental health care. Los Angeles Times.
U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Mental Health Parity Measure
The Senate bill would require insurers to provide equal coverage for mental and physical illnesses. Meanwhile, supporters of the House version of the bill are urging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to schedule a vote. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, co-sponsor of the House bill, said he expects it to pass by the end of the year. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, CongressDaily.
Schwarzenegger Considers Bill on Menu Information
A bill on the governor’s desk would require restaurants with at least 15 locations to display calories, carbohydrates and other nutritional information on menus. The restaurant industry opposes the measure. Christian Science Monitor.
Compromise Kids’ Health Bill Unlikely To Include Medicare Revisions
The draft compromise closely resembles the Senate version of the measure to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and does not include provisions of the House bill that would reduce Medicare Advantage payments. Lawmakers could vote on the bill next week. CongressDaily et al.
San Mateo County Weighs Impact of State Budget Cuts
San Mateo County officials say the county’s Medi-Cal managed care plan will be hit by recent state budget cuts. The main priority for county health officials is replacing funds needed maintain mental health and support services for the homeless. Oakland Tribune.
Northeastern States Lead Nation in Health Care Spending, Study Finds
The most recent data from CMS indicate that per capita health care spending in 10 states was more than 20% above the national average; nine of those states are in the Northeast. California’s per capita spending comes in 12% below the national average. Wall Street Journal et al.
Schwarzenegger Opens Door To Tax Hike – If Voters Support It
Gov. Schwarzenegger stressed the importance of considering all proposals for funding health care reform, including a sales tax increase. But there’s a caveat: Californians must approve the increase in a ballot initiative. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the governor’s proposed mandatory employer contributions to help pay for insurance. Sacramento Bee et al.
Clinton Health Plan Includes Required Coverage, Tax Changes
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton unveiled her health care proposal in a speech in Des Moines, Iowa. The $110 billion plan aims for universal coverage financed through a combination of tax breaks, subsidies and other measures. Washington Post et al.
House Democrats Allow Concessions on Kids’ Health Insurance Bill
House leaders said they will support a compromise State Children’s Health Insurance Program bill that would raise funding to $60 billion over five years but does not include Medicare changes from the House version. Several provisions are still up for discussion. CQ Today et al.
Cancer Society Begins $15M Ad Campaign on Uninsured
The American Cancer Society ads urge 2008 presidential candidates to make covering the uninsured a top campaign issue. The ads will target politically active viewers but will not endorse a specific candidate. CQ HealthBeat et al.