Latest California Healthline Stories
Governor’s Health Proposal Gets Mixed Review From Kuehl
California Senate Health Committee Chair Sheila Kuehl is concerned that Gov. Schwarzenegger’s plan might burden working families, but she supports new requirements for health plans. Regardless of the details of the plan, Kuehl is skeptical about the prospects for a health care overhaul this year because of partisanship in the legislature. Sacramento Bee.
Senate Committee Approves Mental Health Parity Bill
The bill’s sponsors expect it to move quickly for a full vote but anticipate some amendments on the Senate floor. CongressDaily, CQ Today.
Kaiser Electronic Records Project Hits Some Bumps
Efforts to digitize Kaiser Permanente members’ health records have faced repeated technical problems that could jeopardize patient safety, drawing California regulators to seek information from the HMO. Los Angeles Times.
Measure To Protect Genetic Privacy Advances in House
The legislation includes some small differences from a similar bill that a Senate committee approved last month. Two other House committees must review the legislation before the full House can take it up. Wall Street Journal et al.
Lobbyists, Advocates Press Candidates on Health Care
Health care stakeholders are having an easier time pushing would-be presidential candidates on health care issues because many are sitting members of Congress. Roll Call.
California Enrollment in Kids’ Insurance Program Could Drop
President Bush’s proposal to reign in spending on the state children’s health insurance program by tightening income limits could translate to thousands of California’s low-income families losing Healthy Families coverage, UCLA researchers found. KPBS’ “KPBS News.”
Kaiser Wraps Up Transfer of Post-Transplant Patients
Kaiser in May announced that it would close its kidney transplant program after allegations of program mismanagement that compromised patient care. Los Angeles Times.
Drug Development Projects Included in UC, India Deal
UC researchers will team up with scientists in India to work on medications for malaria and tuberculosis, as well as projects dealing with health care delivery and computer networks. San Francisco Chronicle.
Vote Nears on Spending Bill With Health Funds Increases
NIH and veterans’ health programs are among the programs that would receive more money from the federal government under the 2007 omnibus spending bill. AP/Washington Times, CQ Today.
Cottage Industry Emerges To Head Off Claims Denials
Health care providers are investing in software systems and hiring firms to minimize claims denied by health insurers, an indication of how complex the health care payment system has become. Wall Street Journal.