Latest California Healthline Stories
Ventura Cuts Subsidies for Retirees’ Health Coverage
In response to the high costs associated with providing retiree health care, the Ventura City Council voted to reduce health care subsidies, forcing former city workers to pay higher premiums. Ventura County Star.
California Considers Closure of Kids’ Ward at State Mental Hospital
Mental health advocates are divided over the proposal, with some saying that closing the ward at Metropolitan State Hospital could leave children without suitable care options. State officials and some advocates disagree over using Proposition 63 funds to provide treatment services to the children if the ward closes. Los Angeles Times.
House Approves Children’s Health Insurance Legislation
The House voted to approve legislation to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. The bill calls for increasing SCHIP funding by $50 billion over five years by reducing Medicare Advantage payments and increasing the federal cigarette tax. President Bush has threatened to veto the bill. Roll Call et al.
Amgen Criticizes Medicare’s Anemia Drug Coverage Policy
Amgen said CMS’ decision not to cover some anemia medications in cancer patients whose hemoglobin levels are higher than 10 grams per deciliter of blood contradicts previous recommendations and guidelines and could increase the need for transfusions. Reuters/New York Times, Los Angeles Times.
House Republicans Delay Vote on Kids’ Health Insurance Legislation
House Democrats expect to vote on a measure to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program late Wednesday despite Republicans’ procedural maneuverings. Debate on the issue is emerging as a source of tension between President Bush and Republican lawmakers. CongressDaily et al.
UC-Davis Receives Record Gift To Launch Nursing School
The $100 million donation from the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation is believed to be the largest bequest to fund nursing education in the nation. It will be allocated over 11 years to help create a nursing school that aims to begin admitting graduate students in 2008, followed by undergraduates in 2010. Los Angeles Times et al.
Giuliani Health Plan Offers Tax Credits for Health Insurance
If elected president, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani would shift more people from employer-sponsored health plans to individual coverage. The Republican presidential candidate’s idea hinges on giving tax credits. New York Times et al.
End of Physician Drug, Alcohol Program Criticized
Physician groups argue that the Medical Board of California’s decision to end a drug and alcohol diversion program will force physicians with substance abuse problems to automatically lose their license instead of enter a rehabilitation program. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Yolo County Budget Deficit Forces Mental Health Cuts
Yolo County faces a $5.2 million budget shortfall, causing it to close mental health resource centers in three cities. The county will replace the centers with less-expensive outpatient offices. Sacramento Bee.
Proposed Initiative Targets Health Insurance Premiums
A consumer advocate is hoping to use California’s ballot initiative process to put the issue of health insurance rate regulation before voters in 2008, a move that is drawing support from a columnist for the Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times.