Latest California Healthline Stories
Investigations of Military Health Care Move Forward
President Bush met with the co-chairs of his commission to look into problems with military health care, while a separate commission said funding for the system was inadequate. South Florida Sun-Sentinel et al.
Conflicts of Interest Alleged on Benefits Reform Commission
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s administration says two appointees to a commission charged with offering proposals for reducing unfunded liabilities for retiree health care and pension benefits disclosed their business ties to CalPERS, but some analysts say the links could raise questions about the credibility of the commission’s recommendations. San Francisco Chronicle.
San Jose Facing Sharp Jump in Health Care Costs
Data obtained by the San Jose Mercury News show that health care and retirement benefits costs for city workers since 2000 have risen by three times the rate of salaries. City officials say the rising costs are not unique to San Jose. San Jose Mercury News.
Indian Health Clinics Told To Follow Strict Eligibility Policy
Operators of urban clinics for American Indians and Alaska natives said the federal government has directed them to deny treatment to patients who lack documentation of their eligibility. A Senate committee is expected to consider the issue this week. AP/Boston Herald.
Big Funding Increase for Kids’ Insurance Program Gains Support
The chair of the Senate Finance Committee said reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is the committee’s top priority and floated the idea of upping federal funding to almost double President Bush’s proposal. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
Health Benefits Unresolved in Grocery Worker Talks
The workers’ union wants grocery chains to eliminate a two-tier system, in which new employees have longer waiting periods to qualify for health care benefits and must pay a greater share of the cost. Riverside Press-Enterprise, San Diego Union-Tribune.
Experts Weigh In on End-of-Life Care Issues
Two upcoming television programs will examine issues related to end-of-life care in California. Geriatric experts will weigh in on strategies for caring for aging or ill relatives. KQED.
Top Prison Health Appointee Forced From Position
Leading up to the resignation, Peter Farber-Szekrenyi was removed from duties concerning medical care delivery in the state prisons. His salary also was cut by 40% by a receiver in charge of reforming the prison health care system. Sacramento Bee.
Tobacco Tax Re-Emerges To Fund Health Care Programs
Recognizing that Republican support is unlikely, a state senator is working to place the proposed tobacco tax increase before voters on a statewide ballot, hoping that the measure would not go down in defeat as a similar measure did in 2006. Contra Costa Times.
Medicare Advantage Funds Targeted for Other Programs
Boosting Medicare payments for doctors and kicking in additional funds for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program are among the alternatives being floated as lawmakers consider moving money away from Medicare managed care programs. CQ HealthBeat, CongressDaily.