Latest California Healthline Stories
Report: Half of Hospitals at Seismic Risk Will Miss Deadline
The cost of upgrading or replacing hospital buildings statewide could cost $110 billion, but the majority of hospitals do not have the funding to meet state seismic safety requirements and could miss a delayed 2030 deadline to comply with the law. The report estimated that the cost of a day in the hospital could increase by almost $1,000 because of the construction costs. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Bay Area Mayors Address Business Leaders
Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums sought help in expanding health insurance coverage. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s positive economic outlook for San Francisco contrasts with small-business owners who have criticized some health care-related proposals. San Francisco Chronicle.
U.S. Cancer Deaths Decline for Second Year
Increased smoking cessation and better detection and treatment of the most common types of cancers contributed to the decrease in cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. New York Times et al.
Pennsylvania Gov. Announces Health Care Proposal
Gov. Rendell’s proposal would expand a state program to help adults and small businesses obtain health insurance coverage through private insurers and call for hospitals to take new steps to avoid hospital-acquired infections. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Philadelphia Inquirer.
Debate Expected on Funding for Children’s Health Program
The debate over future funding of SCHIP will begin next month after President Bush unveils his budget. At least 1.5 million children could lose coverage by 2012 if the current funding level is maintained, according to government estimates. Los Angeles Times.
Campaign Encourages Investing for Long-Term Care
About 5.2 million U.S. residents had long-term care insurance in 2005, but premiums can be unaffordable for some U.S. residents. Houston Chronicle.
California Group Will Fund Launch of Data Exchanges
The California Regional Health Information Organization will use a $670,000 grant to fund awards to health care communities that are prepared to exchange electronic data. San Francisco Business Times.
Grocery Chain, Union Negotiating Contract Terms
The United Food and Commercial Workers union is considering using the contract as the model for negotiations with grocery chains that were involved in a 2004 labor strike that resulted in the creation of a two-tier wage system and longer waiting periods to qualify for health benefits. Los Angeles Times.
Study: Medical Bills Increase Credit Card Debt
Twenty-nine percent of households reported that medical bills contributed to their debt and, of that group, 69% had a major medical expense in the previous three years. Kansas City Star, CQ HealthBeat.
Groups React to Comments on VA Drug Program
Some House Republicans said that the Department of Veterans Affairs drug purchasing program limited access to medications and pharmacies for participants. The House recently approved legislation requiring HHS to negotiate drug prices for the Medicare drug benefit. The Hill et al.