Latest California Healthline Stories
Governor’s Plans Could Require Contributions From Employers, Individuals
Gov. Schwarzenegger next week will unveil his health care reform plan, which is expected to propose mandatory contributions by individuals and employers. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Task Force Recommends New Medi-Cal Computer System
An attorney general’s task force found that the current Medi-Cal computer system is outdated and cannot identify fraudulent claims, which total about $1 billion annually. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. Central Valley Business Times.
Study Finds Racial Disparities in Colon Cancer Survival Rates
Blacks with health insurance have the highest colon cancer mortality rate, but the link between race and survival is “complex,” study finds. HealthDay/Forbes, CBS.
Bush Signs Bill To Establish Federal Program for Respite Care
President Bush signs a respite care bill that provides $289 million over five years for states to train volunteers. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Governor Proposes Prison Expansion Plan
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s $10.9 billion plan includes $1 billion for the construction of medical, dental and mental health facilities and the addition of 10,000 new hospital beds. Fresno Bee et al.
Editorial: Rule for Reporting Retiree Benefit Costs Demands Responsibility
New accounting rules requiring public agencies to account for future retiree health costs will force agencies unable to cover the liability to either cut public services or raise taxes, or both. Los Angeles Daily News.
California Healthline Highlights Recent Hospital News
Paradise Valley Hospital in National City is terminating all contracts with HMOs; Redlands Community Hospital is expanding its emergency department