Latest California Healthline Stories
Not-for-Profit Hospitals’ Charity Care Scrutinized
Despite receiving more than $12 billion in tax breaks in 2002, a recent CBO analysis of hospitals in five states found that not-for-profits provide only slightly more uncompensated care than for-profit hospitals. Wall Street Journal, CQ HealthBeat.
Concessions on Health Care Aided Grocery Worker Deal
The United Food and Commercial Workers union agreed to contribute $250 million of a $500 million employee reserve fund to help pay for health care benefits, while grocery chains agreed to reduce the waiting period for health care benefits. Los Angeles Daily News.
South L.A. Program Targets Household Asthma Triggers
Health workers make home visits to help parents eliminate irritants that can lead to their children’s asthma flare ups. The program aims to reduce attacks that often land families at hospital emergency departments. NPR's "Morning Edition."
California Assembly OKs Budget; Health Care Funds Intact
The proposal falls short of spending cuts sought by Senate Republicans but nonetheless drew criticism from the Senate's Democratic leadership. Gov. Schwarzenegger hopes to build off the agreement to advance work on health care reform. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Lawmakers Propose Delay to New Medicaid Rx Pad Rules
The legislation would delay implementation of a measure requiring physicians to write prescriptions on tamper-proof pads to combat forged prescriptions and save the government money. Pharmacist groups have said the Oct. 1 deadline is unobtainable. CongressDaily.
Small-Business Groups Stump for Mandatory Health Insurance
California's small-business community is pushing for any health care reform plan to require individuals to buy insurance, while Bay Area business leaders are urging Californians to demand health care reform this year. Sacramento Business Journal, San Francisco Chronicle.
Fewer Physicians Accepting New Medicaid Beneficiaries
Physicians have stopped accepting new Medicaid beneficiaries because of payment cuts and rising treatment costs. At the same time, California and other states are seeking to expand Medicaid eligibility as part of larger health care reform efforts. Wall Street Journal.