Latest California Healthline Stories
Advocates Tout Prospects of Kids’ Health Coverage in 2007
Some health care advocates say that the Legislature is more likely to approve universal coverage for children this year than a larger health care reform proposal, but the administration of Gov. Schwarzenegger says the governor remains focused on a comprehensive overhaul. Legislative sources say the administration is negotiating compromise legislation with Democratic lawmakers. Sacramento Bee et al.
Health Care Reform News From Around the Nation: August 20
States weigh in on ideas for health care reform: Illinois governor seeks budget changes to increase health care spending; group launches campaign for Oregon ballot measure to fund children’s health care
Editorial on Children’s Health Insurance Faulted
The presidents of AARP and the American Medical Association challenged a Wall Street Journal editorial’s contention that reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance program will push the U.S. toward government-run health care. Wall Street Journal.
Local Doctors Back Federal Bill To Boost Medicare Pay
A provision in the bill would change the classification of some California counties, making physicians practicing there eligible for higher Medicare payments. Republican opposition to the move could lead the language to be dropped from conference legislation. Monterey County Herald.
Orange County Settles Suit With Vietnamese Pharmacies
The county’s Medi-Cal managed care plan will pay almost $300,000 to resolve a complaint that an anti-fraud program was targeted at independent pharmacies run by Vietnamese-Americans. A judge in the case found no evidence of racial discrimination. Orange County Register.
Health Care a Major Issue in Race for Open Seat on CalPERS Board
The three candidates for a rare opening on the CalPERS board all support preserving current retiree health care and pension benefits, as well as efforts to curb rising health care costs. However, they offer different strategies for achieving those goals. Sacramento Bee.
Kaiser CEO Endorses Provisions of Governor’s Health Care Reform Plan
Kaiser CEO George Halvorson said he would like to see California achieve universal health care, serving as a model for the rest of the nation. Halvorson argued in favor of requiring insurers to offer coverage to all applicants, as well as individual coverage requirements. Reuters.
National Panel Urges Tobacco Tax Increase, More Regulation
The President’s Cancer Panel called for lawmakers to increase taxes on tobacco products and to boost regulation of tobacco sales and marketing to help cut cancer rates. The panel also advocated that lawmakers refuse campaign funds from the tobacco industry. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.