Latest California Healthline Stories
California Firm Part of Microsoft Health Care Plan
Microsoft is acquiring a San Diego start-up company as part of a broader effort to move the company into the consumer health information segment. New York Times.
Study: Pay Pushed Drop in Primary Care Physicians
The study’s author says the shortage of primary care practices is because of a growing income disparity between primary care physicians and specialists. San Francisco Business Times.
Cost Savings Strategies Floated for Medicare
Increasing beneficiaries’ share of outpatient coverage costs and cutting reimbursements to some health care providers could help the government save billions of dollars, according to a federal report. CongressDaily, CQ HealthBeat.
Kuehl Taking Another Stab at Single-Payer Health Care System
Gov. Schwarzenegger remains firmly opposed to Sen. Sheila Kuehl’s bill to do away with private insurance in California and adopt a state-run, single-payer system, but supporters of the proposal say reintroducing it improves its eventual chance at passage. Los Angeles Times.
California Public Hospitals Fret About Medicaid Funding Cuts
Federal officials say a proposed rule change to Medicaid funding would not affect California, but the organization representing public hospitals in the states remains concerned about a loss of funding. Los Angeles Times.
State Health Reform Plans Hitting Snags in Roll Out
Massachusetts’ law requiring residents to maintain health insurance coverage is exceeding initial cost estimates, and a plan offered by Gov. Schwarzenegger likely would face greater obstacles, according to the head of the Pacific Research Institute. Wall Street Journal.
Jump in Medicaid Enrollment Followed Welfare Reform
The number of U.S. residents enrolled in Medicaid increased after Congress overhauled welfare in 1996, according to a new analysis that has drawn fresh criticism from opponents of the welfare law. AP/Contra Costa Times.
Governors Seek $765M To Shore Up Kids’ Insurance Program
States are facing a $700 million deficit for their children’s health insurance programs, pushing the National Governors Association to ratchet up lobbying efforts to boost federal funds for the program. The group also moved to stave off proposals from President Bush to tighten restrictions on who can be covered under the program. Bergen Record et al.
Republicans Question Parts of Governor’s Health Reform Plan
The vice chair of the Senate Health Committee has challenged financial estimates Gov. Schwarzenegger’s administration is relying on in pitching his health care overhaul to the Legislature. Oroville Mercury-Register et al.
Patient Dumping Proposal Could Face Court Challenge
Legal experts say the bill would create an “unfunded mandate” that extends hospitals’ responsibility to patients at a time when advocates for the homeless say more funds are needed to provide services for the population. Los Angeles Times.