Latest California Healthline Stories
Ethnic, Racial Gap in End-Of-Life Care Found Nationwide
A recent study found that almost three-quarters of patients in California who received hospice care were white, compared with 82% nationally. Health care advocates attribute cultural differences to the disparity in whites versus minorities seeking care. Dow Jones Business News.
Study: Mammograms Read by Computers Less Effective
Medicare offers higher reimbursements to doctors who use computer-aided detection software for mammograms, but a study by a UC-Davis researcher indicates that the tools don’t help identify more cancers. Los Angeles Times et al.
State Mental Health Workers Plan Protests for Pay Increases
About 8,500 mental health care workers are expected to participate in the protests for the same compensation that health care workers at state prisons are paid. Prison psychiatrists are paid at least $100,000 more than psychiatrists at state mental hospitals. Los Angeles Times.
Court To Hear Realtors’ Lawsuit on Blue Shield Contract
The California Association of Realtors maintains that Blue Shield of California improperly canceled its group policy. The association will make its case in court tomorrow. American Public Media’s “Marketplace Morning Report.”
County Data Links Obesity to Rate of Chronic Disease
Stanislaus and Kern counties released public health reports this week indicating that both counties face high rates of chronic diseases related to obesity. Modesto Bee, Bakersfield Californian.
Kaiser Recognized as Having Diverse Work Force
Kaiser Permanente officials attributed the diversity award to the company’s work force of 77% women and 57% ethnic minorities. The award marks the second time that Kaiser has been recognized. San Francisco Business Times.
Commentators Question Some Health Reform Proposals
Three newspapers in recent days published opinion pieces raising questions about what universal coverage would mean in the U.S. and pushing other approaches to overhauling the nation’s health care system. Los Angeles Times et al.
Kids’ Insurance Coverage Hinges on Increase in Federal Funds
Children’s health advocates say San Mateo County could see an upswing in the number of uninsured children in the county after steep declines if increased funds are not included in the federal reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. The county currently uses about $14.8 million in federal funds to cover almost 9,000 kids. San Francisco Examiner.
Banks, Consumers Build Support for HSAs
Banks are offering health savings accounts as part of a strategy to build business, while recent rule changes for HSAs are making them more popular among consumers. Tennessean, AP/Hartford Courant.
Payment Hike on Tap for Medicare Managed Care Plans Next Year
The payment increase is based on a formula that Congress has approved, a fact that could hinder some Democrats’ efforts to cut payments to the health plans to shore up funds for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and other initiatives. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.