Latest California Healthline Stories
Groups Seek Funding Upswing for Kids’ Insurance Program
A jump of at least $15 billion for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is needed to avoid a budget gap for California’s version. President Bush has proposed boosting funds by almost $5 billion over five years. East Bay Business Times, Hayward Daily Review.
Report: Medicare Doctors Owe Federal Income, Payroll Taxes
HHS has not been able to help collect taxes from physicians who bill Medicare for services because the agency has not linked its computer systems with those of IRS and other units of the Treasury Department, a government report found. New York Times et al.
Support Split for Senate, House Mental Health Parity Bills
The insurance industry says the Senate legislation is more palatable to its members, in part because the House effort would allow stronger state laws to take precedence over the federal law. President Bush says he supports the concept of mental health parity. New York Times.
Change in Transplant Policy Gaining Support
The practice pushes up the time for organs to be removed from the time when a donor is declared brain dead to shortly after the donor’s heart stops beating. Some groups say the policy shift could pressure families to discontinue treatment. Washington Post.
FDA Maintains Funds for Women’s Health Office
An anonymous FDA official said the agency had considered withholding more than a quarter of the office’s annual budget, but the agency’s operating plan shows full funding for the office. Washington Post.
Congress Should Modify Medicaid Documentation Rule
Important health care services for some children are being delayed because of a new rule that requires proof of citizenship when applying for Medicaid coverage, raising the stakes for Congress to simplify enrollment guidelines. New York Times.
Democrats Aim for Common Health Care Reform Proposal
Plans to overhaul California’s health care system by legislative leaders Don Perata and Fabian Núñez differ in their targeted goals and proposed strategies, but the lawmakers say they will work to use the proposals to advance the debate in Sacramento. Oakland Tribune et al.
Gonorrhea Cases Up in California, Western States
California in 2005 had the highest number of cases of gonorrhea among western states, and Los Angeles County public health officials anticipate serious challenges in addressing the situation. Los Angeles Times.
Suit Alleges Elder Abuse, Fraud at Nursing Homes
A lawsuit against a private nursing home operator criticizes the Department of Health Services for not inspecting nursing homes regularly and seeks the appointment of an independent monitor to observe conditions at the Southern California facilities. Los Angeles Times.
California Takes Lead in Stem Cell Research Funding
Leaders of California’s stem cell agency say its latest round of grant funding pushes the state ahead of NIH and makes it the largest funding source in the world for research involving human embryonic stem cells. Funds will go to scientists at 12 organizations throughout California under the latest wave of research funding. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.