Latest California Healthline Stories
Revised State Budget Includes Full Funding for Kids’ Insurance
Gov. Schwarzenegger will release an updated plan for the state budget that will provide funds to cover 75,000 kids being enrolled in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. State revenue in April surpassed estimates. North County Times et al.
Study: Rate of U.S. Women Getting Mammograms Drops
Increasing numbers of uninsured women could be one of the reasons for the decline in mammography rates, researchers said. The data show that the percentage of women undergoing the procedure leveled off in 2000 and has been declining since 2003. Washington Post et al.
Insurer Contribution to Governor’s Fund Draws Criticism
The donation to a committee controlled by Gov. Schwarzenegger came from a unit of State Farm. Efforts to expand insurance coverage in California could have major financial implications for the company, which has a separate unit that markets health insurance. Los Angeles Times.
Retail Clinics Could Boost Access to Health Care
A change in federal tax policies could encourage participation in health savings accounts and encourage more people to use retail clinics, which already are pushing doctors to become more responsive to consumers’ needs, according to an opinion piece. Wall Street Journal.
California Doctors at Odds Over Plans To Expand Health Coverage
The health care reform debate has drawn sharp divisions among some physicians whose practices are centered on Medi-Cal beneficiaries and others who do not participate in the state Medicaid program. The division has made it difficult for organizations to endorse a specific proposal, which could complicate efforts to rework the system. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Workers’ Comp Ruling Could Boost Overhaul Efforts
Democratic lawmakers are seeking to pass legislation that would increase permanent disability payments to injured workers while keeping costs down for businesses. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care a Recurring Issue in Presidential Race
Children’s health insurance, health problems after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and payments to Medicare Advantage plans are among the issues facing candidates in 2008. AP/Foster’s Daily Democrat.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: May 14
Florida lawmakers push for another chance at overhauling children’s insurance program; Minnesota governor threatens veto of health spending bill
Prison Health Care Receiver Unveils Road Map to Reform
California’s prison medical receiver announced a plan of action for overhauling the state’s prison health care system that could take up to 20 years to complete. He said a prison reform bill signed into law last week by Gov. Schwarzenegger is a barrier to his plan. Los Angeles Times et al.
Imaging Tests Pushing Up Costs for Health Insurers
About one-fifth of the U.S.’s health care spending can be traced back to diagnostic imaging procedures, sparking some insurers to drop reimbursement rates for the tests to keep costs in check. Baltimore Sun.