Latest California Healthline Stories
New Jersey Governor Refuses To Obey New Kids’ Insurance Limits
New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine said he would not comply with federal eligibility restrictions for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program that CMS announced last month. Gov. Schwarzenegger and New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer also have spoken out against the rules. Washington Post.
Health Plan Lets Patients Purchase More Coverage After They Get Sick
A Michigan-based insurer is targeting young, healthy U.S. residents with a new health plan in which policyholders will pay low monthly premiums and be able to purchase up to $5 million in additional health coverage in the event of serious illness or injury. Wall Street Journal.
Children’s Insurance Will Need Bridge Funding, Democrats Say
Because a compromise hasn’t been reached on House and Senate versions of legislation to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, Democratic lawmakers say a stopgap funding measure will be needed to sustain the program after it expires on Sept. 29. CongressDaily et al.
Judge Blocks New York Rule on Restaurant Nutrition Data
The New York State Restaurant Association filed the lawsuit on the grounds that the rule would have conflicted with the 1990 federal Nutrition Labeling and Education Act. The rule would have required more than 2,300 restaurants in the city to post the caloric content of menu items. New York Times et al.
California Legislature Aims To Centralize Oversight of EMTs
The Legislature has sent Gov. Schwarzenegger a bill that would create a central registry for all emergency medical technicians and start requiring criminal background checks. California is the only state without such a law. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.
Republican Candidates To Take Poll Advice, Focus on Health Care
In response to polling and focus group data, Republican candidates running for national office plan to target undecided voters by addressing health care policy and focusing less on tax cuts. Voters do not associate Republican candidates with health care solutions, according to the research. CongressDaily.
California Releases Additional $64M for Mental Health Services
The state will provide $64 million to counties to help pay for mental health services under Proposition 63, a 2004 ballot measure. Mental health advocates hope to use the funds to offset the loss of some services after Gov. Schwarzenegger eliminated funding for a program that caters to homeless people with mental illnesses. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.