Latest California Healthline Stories
Google, Microsoft Set Their Sights on Internet Health Care Services
Both companies soon will launch consumer-oriented online health care initiatives that are expected to face several obstacles, including privacy concerns and competition from smaller health care-focused firms. However, if their efforts are successful, the ventures could accelerate a shift in power to health care consumers. New York Times.
Bill Frist Announces Plans To Become Global Health Care Advocate
The former Senate Majority Leader said he wants to become a leader on health care issues and world poverty, citing the role former Vice President Al Gore has assumed on environmental issues. Frist left the Senate earlier this year after reaching a self-imposed term limit. AP/Tennessean.
Republican Candidates for President Discuss Health Care
Several Republican presidential candidates discussed health care issues at an Iowa forum, while Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards discussed health care in Las Vegas. In related news, Republican candidate Tommy Thompson withdrew from the presidential race after finishing sixth in an Iowa straw poll. Des Moines Register et al.
Certain Hospitals Set To Benefit From House’s Kids’ Insurance Bill
A New York Times review of House legislation to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program found that the bill would allocate millions of dollars annually to about 40 hospitals by increasing their Medicare payments. New York Times.
U.S. Trails 41 Other Countries in Life Expectancy Rates
A U.S. resident born in 2004 has a life expectancy of 77.9 years, placing the U.S. in 42nd place, down from 11th place two decades ago. Officials attribute the low U.S. ranking to the high number of uninsured residents, rising obesity rates and racial disparities. AP/Arizona Daily Star.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: August 13
Georgia Gov. Perdue proposes subsidized coverage for small businesses; Providers say Missouri law to lower drug costs is ineffective
Federal Inspectors Terminate Funding for King-Harbor Hospital
Los Angeles County officials will maintain an urgent care center and outpatient clinics at the site but will close King-Harbor Hospital in the next two weeks. The county hopes to find a private operator to reopen the facility within 18 months. Los Angeles Times et al.
Retail Health Clinic Industry Expands Despite Concerns
The number of retail medical clinics will increase from 400 to more than 700 by the end of the year and to about 2,000 by the end of 2008, according to the Convenient Care Association. In addition, nearly half of retail clinics now accept insurance from large payers. AP/Tennessean.
Long-Term Care Facilities File Lawsuit Over Delayed Medi-Cal Payments
The lawsuit targets California’s policy of maintaining Medi-Cal provider payments to health care providers that bill the program directly, while discontinuing payments for other providers when there is no state budget. The state budget is more than 40 days overdue. Sacramento Bee.
Governor, Lawmakers Pledge Action on Health Care Reform
Despite the ongoing budget stalemate, Gov. Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders continued to stump for health care reform, as Californians gathered at forums statewide to weigh in on what they expect in a health care overhaul. The governor accused Senate Republicans of holding up the budget to sidestep health care reform, a charge they denied. Reuters/Yahoo! News et al.