Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

Governor’s No-Tax Pledge Could Affect Health Care Reform

A defeated ballot measure to increase the state tobacco tax would have provided about $300 million annually to help fund universal child’s health insurance, raising questions among some health care analysts as to how Gov. Schwarzenegger would fund such a program without raising taxes. Sacramento Bee et al.

Hospital Fundraising Has Varied Results

Community hospitals have mixed results in raising money for basic programs in part because they might not have as many wealthy patients who are potential donors. New York Times.

Missouri Hospitals Consider Funding Options

Hospital industry officials will seek funding from the state Legislature to offset the cost of treating the uninsured after state voters defeated a tobacco tax that would have provided funds to Missouri hospitals. St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Congress Expected To Take Up Health Care Issues

Among Democratic legislators’ priorities, California Rep. Pete Stark has said he will seek reduced reimbursement rates for private health insurers that offer Medicare Advantage plans. Baltimore Sun et al.

County Strike Closes Hospital Units, Clinics

The Service Employees International Union Local 790 called the strike because of an impasse with San Joaquin County negotiators over health care benefits. County health clinics remained closed Friday in anticipation of a second day of striking. Stockton Record.

County Hires Executives To Supervise King/Drew Transition

The directors of both Martin Luther King Jr./Drew University Medical Center and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center will oversee the integration of the hospitals. The new hospital will be called Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital. Los Angeles Times.

Final Approval of Loan To Stem Cell Agency Expected This Month

A finance committee meeting scheduled for Nov. 20 will provide the necessary authorization for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to receive a state loan Gov. Schwarzenegger announced last summer, according to CIRM President Zach Hall. KPBS’ “These Days.” Audio.