Latest California Healthline Stories
School Program Takes Aim at Health Care Worker Shortage
The Doctors Academy in the South Valley offers minority high school students the opportunity to take medical classes and participate in internships. The program aims to help reduce the state’s growing shortage of physicians, nurses and dentists, especially among minority populations. Fresno Bee.
Obama Criticizes Clinton’s 1993 Health Care Proposal
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama criticized fellow Democratic candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton’s 1993 health care plan for a lack of public transparency. Obama said he would work to reform the U.S. health care system in “an open process.” Washington Post Blog, New York Post.
Providers Split Over Fees in Governor’s Health Plan
The California Hospital Association has worked with Gov. Schwarzenegger to compromise on the mandatory provider contributions in his health care reform plan. The California Medical Association remains opposed to the proposed fees. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Lawmakers Must Answer Call To Pass Health Care Reform
An editorial chimes in on the side of a special legislative session to find a compromise on health care reform. Meanwhile, religious leaders urge lawmakers to pass a reform plan that is comprehensive and affordable, and the president of the California Nurses Association rallies against the Democratic legislators’ proposal. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.
36 States Launch Investigation Into Limited-Benefit Plans
The investigation into limited-benefit health plans offered by HealthMarkets stems from allegations of deceptive sales tactics. The results of the investigation could set an example for other insurers offering limited-benefit health plans. USA Today.
California Endowment Chief Urges Bill on Health Reform
Robert Ross of the California Endowment acknowledges that health care reform in California might not be achieved in the coming weeks or months, but he urges businesses and health care leaders to push for a legislative approach rather than a ballot initiative to overhaul the state’s health care system. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Limit on Doctors’ Hours Does Not Cut Mortality Rates, Studies Find
Limits on the number of hours that medical residents work do not significantly reduce patient mortality rates, according to two new studies. The lead researcher of the studies said his team was surprised that the limits did not improve outcomes more consistently. AP/Long Island Newsday.
California Lawmakers OK Bans on Trans Fats, Chemical in Kids’ Toys
The Assembly approved a measure that seeks to ban the sale of artificial trans fats in schools, while the Senate sent legislation to Gov. Schwarzenegger that would prohibit a chemical toxin from being used in plastic toys for young children. Los Angeles Times et al.
State Medicaid Directors Say Kids’ Insurance Rules Limit Enrollment
In a letter to HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, the National Association of State Medicaid Directors and the American Public Human Services Association called on the Bush administration to rescind new eligibility guidelines for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Clinton Tackles Health Care in Speech to Senior Group
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton said that as president she would work to reduce the cost of long-term care insurance, as well as end the use of fraudulent practices in which companies increase costs or deny benefits to seniors with those policies. CQ HealthBeat, CongressDaily.