Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care Costs a Big Issue in Los Angeles County Budget Plan
The county’s chief administrative officer warned that some medical services might have to be cut if steps aren’t taken to shore up the county health department’s budget, and he also pushed for action on retiree health care costs. Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times.
Presidential Candidates Campaign on Health Care
Democratic and Republican candidates alike are talking about health care issues ranging from wellness to the costs of long-term care as they make the rounds on the campaign trial. New York Times et al.
Hospital Comparison Web Sites Still Developing
Few health consumers are taking advantage of online hospital comparison tools. However, some supporters say the sites could begin to have an impact as they become more sophisticated and useful. San Francisco Business Times.
Veterans’ Health Care Task Force Kicks Off Hearings
Veterans, their spouses and advocacy groups testified at the first hearing convened by President Bush’s appointed panel to look at health care for veterans. Additional hearings will be held nationwide. AP/Orlando Sentinel et al.
Former President Clinton Faults U.S. Health Care System
Speaking in San Francisco, Clinton said that preventive care should be a greater focus of the U.S. health care system but did not tout specific reform proposals. Separately, he said schools should work to combat childhood obesity. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Cuts to Medicare Advantage Payments Face Opposition
Congressional staffers and some Democratic legislators say the payments likely won’t be reduced, despite warnings that maintaining the program could hurt efforts to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Blue Cross Wary of Mandates in Governor’s Health Reform Plan
Blue Cross of California foresees a struggle with lawmakers as they consider Gov. Schwarzenegger’s plan to rework health care in California, saying that some provisions would lead to higher premiums. Meanwhile, the governor and the head of the state health department pitched health care reform in recent broadcast appearances. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Sutter Health Reports Jump in Earnings, Investment Income
Sutter Health brought in nearly 50% more from investments in 2006 than it did in 2005, an increase system officials say is needed to pay for construction projects and installation of new medical technology. San Francisco Business Times et al.
Oregon Senator Pushes Universal Coverage Plan
The plan by Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden aims to shift the U.S. away from employer-sponsored health coverage, instead aiming to have insurers provide coverage directly to individuals. NPR.
New York City Rolls Out Plan for Electronic Records
A city official says the project will provide electronic health records software to 1,500 medical practices that treat low-income patients. The project is part of a larger effort to shore up the city’s health information technology infrastructure. Boston Globe, New York Times.