Latest California Healthline Stories
President Rejects Recommendation for Health Care Overhaul
A committee of experts had called for all U.S. residents to have access to essential health care benefits by 2012, but President Bush said he still prefers market-oriented approaches to health reform that are light on federal mandates. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Dem Presidential Candidates Discuss Health Care Lapses
Conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., emerged at a candidates’ forum sponsored by a firefighters’ union, while GOP candidate Gov. Mike Huckabee pitched preventive care in New Hampshire. AP/Houston Chronicle, AP/Manchester Union Leader.
Border States Fight Plan To Shift Hospital Funds
A proposal in the House of Representatives calls for redirecting reimbursement funds for hospitals that treat undocumented immigrants to help bridge some states’ deficits for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Access, Quality Focus of Special JAMA Issue
The current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights recent research on access to health services, follow-up care and health care delivery. Bloomberg/Boston Globe.
California Steps Up on Report Card, Health IT Projects
The Pacific Business Group on Health and CalRHIO kicked off efforts to make health care information more accessible across California. PBGH’s effort is focused on quality and cost data, while CalRHIO is focused on clinical information. San Francisco Business Times et al.
Officials Weigh Effects of Mental Health Accounting Errors
Bookkeeping mistakes at the Department of Mental Health disclosed this week will throw off the state budget by $300 million. Panelists on a radio program discussed the fallout at the state and local levels. KPCC’s “Air Talk.”
CalPERS Reconsidering Copay Hikes To Offset Higher Premiums
CalPERS last year rejected a proposal to increase copayments, but the pension fund is reconsidering an increase as it negotiates next year’s rates with its health plans. CalPERS’ consultant did not provide estimates for how much it could save by raising copays. Sacramento Bee.
Insurance Commissioner Touts Reform Ideas
Steve Poizner said he wants to attract more workers’ compensation insurers to California, while also pushing to make the office a nonpartisan position. Sacramento Business Journal.
Proposed Vaccine Mandate Goes Back to Drawing Board
Support in the Assembly Health Committee was tepid for a proposal to require girls to be vaccinated for human papillomavirus, prompting the bill’s backer to pull it from consideration with plans to reintroduce a revised measure. Sacramento Bee et al.
Local Military Hospital Conditions Draw Attention
California newspapers and broadcasters have turned an eye toward the quality of care and living conditions at military hospitals and VA facilities to see if they have problems similar to those found at a Washington, D.C., facility. Modesto Bee et al.