Latest California Healthline Stories
Wal-Mart Plays Role in Debate Over Union Health Care Benefits
Wal-Mart is having less of an impact on the grocery store market in Southern California than chain stores said it might, but competition from Wal-Mart nonetheless remains an issue in contract negotiations snagged on health benefits and other issues. Los Angeles Times.
Hospitals Push State To Take Lead in Medi-Cal Payment Hike
The California Hospital Association’s president said the group backs the concept of “shared responsibility” in Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care overhaul but called for changes to some of the plan’s financing mechanisms, including a fee on health care providers. Capitol Weekly.
Advocates Push for Renewal of Kids’ Insurance Program
About 4,500 children in San Luis Obispo County and 770,000 children statewide are covered through Healthy Families, California’s version of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Local advocates are pushing their representatives in Congress to help renew and increase funding for the program. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
New Allegations of Patient Dumping Surface in L.A.
Officials at Downey Regional Medical Center say that the patient was properly discharged and that hospital personnel notified the homeless shelter by phone that the patient would be dropped off. However, police say a telephone call does not qualify as a legal discharge plan. Los Angeles Times, AP/Sacramento Bee.
Senate Committee Advances Negotiations on Medicare Rx Prices
Modifications to a bill that would let HHS negotiate prices for medications for the Medicare drug benefit might improve its chances of withstanding a threatened filibuster, but some senators have said the bill should actually require price negotiations. CQ HealthBeat et al.
States Leading Way on Pay-for-Performance Projects
A survey of state Medicaid directors suggests that state pay-for-performance initiatives will continue to outpace federal efforts. AP/Long Island Newsday.