Latest California Healthline Stories
Romney Health Care Plan Stresses State-Based Reform
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is expected to announce a health care plan that would use federal funds to help states expand coverage. Romney is seeking the Republican presidential nomination for 2008. USA Today et al.
Governor’s Line-Item Veto Hits Medi-Cal Reserve, Mental Health
Gov. Schwarzenegger on Friday will sign California’s budget after he trims $700 million from the final plan, including nearly $310 million from Medi-Cal reserves and another $55 million from a mental health program. The Medi-Cal cut will have no effect on services for beneficiaries. Sacramento Bee.
Schwarzenegger Pushing for Health Reform Compromise
Despite his firm stance this week that he will veto a health care reform plan that relies only on employer contributions for financing, Gov. Schwarzenegger “is under pressure to abandon principles” and help reach a compromise with lawmakers on an overhaul plan. Los Angeles Times et al.
Hospital News Roundup for August 24
Rady Children’s Hospital officials push for decertification vote on union contract; Stanislaus County approves sale of Stanislaus Behavioral Health Center to Tenet Healthcare
California Official Discusses New Kids’ Insurance Rules
A letter to state lawmakers from the Bush administration could impact current and future eligibility requirements for children’s health insurance in California, according to a Healthy Families official. KQED’s “The California Report.”
Lawmaker Seeks to Increase Medicare Reimbursements
Rep. Kevin McCarthy seeks to retain the number of physicians in San Luis Obispo County and other counties designated by CMS as rural, where Medicare reimbursement rates to physicians are lower than in urban counties. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Survey: California Small-Business Owners Back Health Care Reform
More than half of the survey respondents said they would be willing to pay into a state fund to help provide affordable health insurance coverage to employees, according to the survey. More than 500 small businesses participated in the survey. San Francisco Chronicle, San Diego Union-Tribune.