Latest California Healthline Stories
Federal Court OKs Access to Medicare Doctor Claims Data
The decision to make public physician claims data in four states and Washington, D.C., could help consumers evaluate the performance of the Medicare program and physicians. HHS had argued that releasing the information would violate physicians’ privacy. Wall Street Journal et al.
Lawmakers Deny Funding for Proposed Prison Hospital
Funding for a new hospital at San Quentin State Prison remains uncertain after lawmakers opposed two separate proposals for financing the construction. A spokesperson said prison medical receiver Robert Sillen is prepared to seek a court order to obtain the funding if necessary. Sacramento Bee et al.
California, New York Governors Oppose New Kids’ Insurance Rules
Gov. Schwarzenegger and New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer said that new guidelines by the Bush administration to limit states’ efforts to expand eligibility for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program “will set state programs back 40 years.” Ventura County Star et al.
Large Number of Cell Phone Calls Tax State 911 System
The California Highway Patrol and local public agencies are struggling to deal with an influx in the number of 911 calls made from cellular phones. Wait times are far above state and national standards, with the most extreme waits exceeding 45 minutes. Los Angeles Times.
San Diego County Must Expand Eligibility for Health Care Benefit
The California Supreme Court failed to side with San Diego County, which fought a ruling that would require the county to pay emergency and necessary medical bills not only for adults with no ability to pay, but also for adults with limited ability to pay. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Rising Health Care Costs Hurt U.S. Budget, Federal Report Says
The director of the Congressional Budget Office said that health care costs put the U.S. “on an unsustainable fiscal path,” noting that Medicare and Medicaid could account for 20% of the gross domestic product if costs continue to rise at the current rate. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, CQ Today.
Clinton Announces Plan To Boost Health Care Quality
The proposal by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), who is seeking the Democratic nomination for president, would increase Medicare reimbursements for doctors who adopt quality improvement techniques. Meanwhile, other Democratic candidates for president addressed health care at a forum in Nevada. AP/Washington Times et al.
Ford, GM Ask Union To Administer Health Benefits
As part of contract negotiations, the companies are asking for the United Auto Workers union to assume responsibility for the health care benefits of more than 1.5 million workers and retirees. Detroit News.
American Medical Association Stumps for Universal Health Care
The American Medical Association is calling for tax credits to help individuals buy health insurance and an in increase in federal funds to expand public health insurance programs. AMA’s three-year campaign is intended to highlight health care as an election issue. Los Angeles Times et al.