Latest California Healthline Stories
Diverse Coalition Proposes Health Insurance Expansion
The expansion to cover children would cost an estimated $45 billion over five years. The coalition that offered the proposal did not specify a funding mechanism but called on the federal government to provide money for the proposal. New York Times et al.
Appeals Court To Hear Stem Cell Agency Lawsuit
An appeals court will decide whether to uphold a ruling that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s $3 billion in taxpayer funding is constitutional. If the ruling stands, the plaintiffs said they likely will appeal the case to the state Supreme Court. San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Bee.
Federal Reserve Chair Warns About Medicare, Social Security Costs
Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke said that as more U.S. residents reach retirement age, combined spending on Medicare and Social Security is likely to increase from 7% of the U.S. economic output to nearly 13% by 2030. AP/Bergen Record et al.
Officials Discourage Bonds To Fund Retiree Liabilities
State and local governments face $500 billion to $1 trillion in unfunded liabilities for retiree health benefits, according to some estimates. A new accounting rule requires government entities to begin disclosing those costs. Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times.
California Healthline Highlights Recent Hospital News
Contra Costa County Regional Medical Center submits a correction plan to CMS; Eisenhower Medical Center begins expansion of new facility
Insurers Voice Guarded Support for Governor’s Health Care Proposal
Health insurers have raised concerns about some parts of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal but remain supportive of other provisions, in part because the plan would provide millions of new customers. Wall Street Journal.