Latest California Healthline Stories
Hospital News Roundup for September 7
Los Angles County Supervisors question delays in transferring King-Harbor employees; St. John’s Regional Medical Center reopens after mold fumigation
California Prepares Advice for Schools To Provide Diabetes Care
The Department of Education will work to help schools comply with a new policy that requires them to ensure diabetic students’ access to some health care services. The policy is part of an agreement with the American Diabetes Association and four California families. Ventura County Star.
Cost of Health Care Benefits Set To Rise by 6.7% in 2008
A preliminary survey by Mercer Health & Benefits indicates employers’ cost of providing health benefits could rise to $8,500 per employee in 2008. To counter the increase, 36% of employers want to up the percentage of premiums employees pay, while 29% plan to raise deductibles, copayments or the maximum out-of-pocket payments. Hartford Courant, Bloomberg/Asbury Park Press.
U.S. Senate Votes To Block Development of Los Angeles VA Campus
Congressional leaders from California are seeking to preserve the campus of the West Los Angeles Veterans Medical Center. However, the Bush administration argues that developing the campus could raise money for improvements at other VA facilities. Los Angeles Daily News et al.
House Leaders Push To Keep Medicare Provisions in Kids’ Insurance Bill
As lawmakers prepare to reconcile State Children’s Health Insurance Program legislation, House members say a final bill should include their changes to Medicare. Their bill would cut Medicare Advantage plan payments and cancel a Medicare physician reimbursement reduction. CongressDaily.
Not-for-Profit Hospitals’ Charity Care Under Scrutiny
Not-for-profit hospitals in the East San Francisco Bay Area received at least $81 million in tax breaks in 2005 but also provided less than $43 million in charity care. The example reflects a nationwide problem that has led the Internal Revenue Service to seek greater transparency from tax-exempt hospitals. Contra Costa Times.
Two Republican Presidential Candidates Discuss Abortion
Republican presidential candidates Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney explained their positions on abortion during a debate on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Republican candidates have been reluctant “to tout” the Medicare prescription drug benefit because while most beneficiaries are satisfied with the program, it has been criticized for its large price tag. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer et al.
Netherlands’ Health Care System Could Serve as Model for U.S. System
The Dutch system requires all adults to purchase health insurance and all insurers to cover anyone who applies, regardless of age or health. The model, which is based on competition among insurers, might face opposition in the U.S. among doctors and Republicans. Wall Street Journal.
Santa Clara Physicians Earn Highest County Salaries
Nearly all of the county’s highest-earning employees work at either Santa Clara Valley Medical Center or another part of the public health system. The county executive said it pays its physicians and nurses as much or slightly less than some private hospitals. San Jose Mercury News.