Latest California Healthline Stories
Study: Benefits Limited for Electronic Health Records
A new study finds that overall there is not a difference in the quality of care delivered during ambulatory visits at nonfederally funded, community, office-based physician practices with electronic health records and those without the technology. HealthDay/Washington Post.
Australia Offers Possible Model for Health Reform
A California futurist writes that Australia’s health care system could provide valuable lessons for how to deal with public vs. private health insurance coverage, tax subsidies and coverage for new medical technology. Hospitals & Health Networks.
Health Care Experts React to ‘Sicko’ Documentary
Some health care experts say the documentary’s portrayal of health care in the U.S. and other countries is one-sided, while others agree with Michael Moore’s assessment that other countries are doing a better job than the U.S. at providing access to quality care. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Report: Health Costs Could Force Hike in Income Tax
If the current health spending growth rate continues, income tax rates would need to increase by 2050 from 10% to 26% in the lowest tax bracket; from 25% to 66% in the middle tax bracket; and from 35% to 92% in the highest tax bracket. CQ HealthBeat, CongressDaily.
Support Building for Tobacco Tax Hike To Fund Kids’ Insurance
Large issues remain in the debate over the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, but signs point to more members of Congress backing an increase in the federal tobacco tax to help fund an expansion of the program. Wall Street Journal.
L.A. Schools Mull Health Benefits for All Cafeteria Workers
A proposal before the Los Angeles Board of Education would increase the length of the shortest shift to ensure that all employees qualify for coverage. Opponents have raised concerns about cost and fairness to other school system employees. Los Angeles Times.
Overcrowding Hurts Health Care at Women’s Prisons
The population at two women’s prisons is more than double the maximum capacity after state officials transferred inmates from a facility that closed. The receiver for California’s prison medical system said the overcrowding at one of the prisons might cause its health care system to “collapse entirely.” Sacramento Bee.
Health Care Reform Debate Centers on Cost, Access
Authors of three opinion pieces discuss the possibilities of a single-payer health care system in the U.S. and the need to make health care costs and contributions more affordable for individuals and employers. San Diego Union-Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle.
Democratic Candidates Take Measured Stance on Health Care
Leading candidates for the Democratic nomination for president have consulted with an MIT economist who argues that it’s more politically feasible to use the current U.S. health care system as a basis of reform than to abandon it entirely. Meanwhile, top executives from health insurer Aetna offer support for presidential candidates offering proposals for health care reform. Washington Post.
More Nursing School Applicants Turned Away, Study Finds
A new report predicts that the number of registered nurses in the U.S. will begin to decline by 2010, a trend that could drive up costs for hospitals. The report also projects a drop in the number of U.S. physicians. Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News.