Latest California Healthline Stories
Uninsured Prioritize Basic Coverage Over More Choices
A recent series of focus groups asked uninsured residents to design a health insurance plan that is affordable and meets their needs, an exercise that columnist Timm Herdt maintains could help California lawmakers formulate a health care reform plan. Ventura County Star.
Aides Doubt Drug Safety Bill Will Be Reconciled This Week
Some House members are concerned that FDA will begin issuing layoff notices because of a provision requiring Congress to wrap up work on the bill before the August recess. Other lawmakers say that is unlikely. CongressDaily.
Suspension of Medi-Cal Pay to Health Care Providers Imminent
Hospitals, nursing homes and other providers in California are facing the prospect of having Medi-Cal provider payments cut off while the Senate continues work on a new budget. Emergency funding is unlikely because the Assembly adjourned for its summer recess. San Francisco Chronicle, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Bay Area Hit Hard By Change in U.S. Funding for HIV/AIDS Programs
New rules governing the distribution of federal funds for HIV/AIDS services limit spending on meals, legal aid and other support services, prompting criticism from some patient advocates. The policy change is intended to prioritize clinical services. New York Times.
Children’s Health Insurance Expansion Merits Support
A editorial calls on Congress to deliver President Bush his first veto override to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program, while a syndicated columnist argues that a tobacco tax increase to help fund the expansion also would cut long-term Medicare and Medicaid costs. Sacramento Bee.
Waxman Challenges Administration Role in Global Health Report
California Democrat Henry Waxman released a draft report that public health officials say a Bush administration official had blocked. The head of the HHS office that funded the report disputes the characterization. Los Angeles Times, Washington Post.
Senate To Begin Debate on Children’s Health Insurance Legislation
The Senate voted unanimously to begin debate on a bill to reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Meanwhile, House Democrats made revisions to their SCHIP legislation to meet federal budget requirements. CongressDaily et al.
California Budget Stalemate Hits Pay for Health Care Providers
Hundreds of millions of dollars in Medi-Cal provider reimbursements could be held up until a state budget — now a month overdue — is passed. Senate Republicans have raised the possibility of an emergency funding measure for health care services while they seek concessions on the budget. Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle.
Appeals Process for Nursing Home Citations Draws Fire
A Department of Health Care services spokesperson said the appeal process in place for state citations of nursing homes is lengthy but necessary, while an advocate for nursing home reform said the appeals have overburdened the court system and caused other problems. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Medicare Eases Proposed Anemia Drug Restrictions
CMS has relaxed some of its restrictions on anemia drug use by cancer patients and now will cover the medications to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy but not anemia caused by cancer. The agency revised its previous proposal after receiving more than 2,600 comments. New York Times et al.