Latest California Healthline Stories
Report Pushes Back Insolvency Date for Medicare Trust Fund
Medicare trustees’ annual report projects that the Medicare hospital trust fund will have sufficient resources to cover costs for one more year than had been projected last year. The report’s findings also will require President Bush to offer plans to curb spending for the program, although Congress isn’t required to follow through on the proposals. Washington Post et al.
Chances for Health Care Overhaul Up for Discussion
In an appearance on a Los Angeles public radio show, three players in California’s health care reform debate weighed in on the prospects for passing universal coverage legislation when so many proposals are on the table. KCRW’s “Which Way L.A.?”
Renewal of Kids’ Insurance a Debate on Entitlements
States that have gone beyond the original scope of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program are behind efforts in Congress to boost federal funding for the program, according to an editorial. Wall Street Journal.
Military, Children’s Health Care Get Boost in War Spending Bill
A measure to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan includes almost $2 billion more for veterans’ health care than President Bush had requested, as well as more money for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Bush has pledged to veto the bill. New York Times et al.
Report Finds Federal Penalties for Nursing Homes Inadequate
A report to be released next week says that federal reimbursements are rarely denied to nursing homes even after they have been cited for quality problems. The report — highlighting a California facility — has spurred pledges for increased oversight from CMS. New York Times.
Legislative Leaders Seek To Fuse Health Care Reform Plans
Democratic leaders in the California Legislature hope that merging their proposals to overhaul the state health care system will boost chances for passage this year. Meanwhile, Gov. Schwarzenegger’s plan for health care reform has yet to be put into legislation, but Health and Human Services Secretary Belshé says the plan is moving along as expected. Los Angeles Times et al.
Ventura County Expands Kids’ Health Insurance
A county program focuses on enrolling eligible children in existing public health insurance programs, turning to other health plans and an option for discounted care at the county health system to provide services to other children. Ventura County Star.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: April 23
Plan to rework children’s health coverage moves forward in Georgia; Texas Senate approves purchasing pool to help Medicaid beneficiaries get private coverage
Report on Medicaid Quality Gets Mixed Response
Some policy analysts and consumer advocates said the Public Citizen report released last week was of limited use, arguing that Medicaid is a key part of the health care system. Washington Post.
State Mental Hospital Suit Focuses on Pay Increases, Staffing
The administration of Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed hiring a headhunter to recruit staff and boosting pay to state mental hospital workers, but attorneys said it comes up short because it would apply only to existing workers and not new recruits. Los Angeles Times.