Latest California Healthline Stories
Processing Medi-Cal Applications Exceeds State Time Limit
A lawsuit alleges that not one of more than a sample of 2,000 Medi-Cal applications was processed within the state-mandated 90-day time limit. Los Angeles Times.
KPCC Series Examines Type 2 Diabetes Among State Residents
More than two million California residents currently have diabetes and the number is expected to double by 2020, according to the first segment in a KPCC “KPCC News” series. Audio.
Kaiser Medical Groups Join Report Card Project
A Kaiser official said the Integrated Healthcare Association’s pay for performance and report card projects are “the only way” California residents can obtain quality information about medical groups. Sacramento Business Journal.
Unions Reacting to Overseas Health Care Services
The pressure to outsource health care is inevitable as employers attempt to cut costs, according to a World Bank economist. New York Times.
State Begins Licensing Discount Health Cards
The Department of Managed Health Care issued a license to a company that offers discounts on dental services, and the agency is working to develop licensing rules for firms that offer other discounts on other health care services. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Medicaid Spending Growth Reaches Near-Record Low
A report finds that the Medicaid spending growth rate declined for the fourth consecutive year, in part because of the implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit and an improved U.S. economy. AP/Los Angeles Times et al.
Close Vote Expected on Parental Notification Measure
Changes in language used to define abortion could improve Proposition 85’s chances at passage after a similar measure was defeated in 2005, supporters say. Orange County Register et al.
Campaign Advertisements Address Health Care
Gov. Schwarzenegger launched television advertisements that say he will work to provide “solutions for affordable health care” and criticize Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Angelides for his positions on the issue. Oakland Tribune et al.
More Small Businesses Might Result in More Uninsured
Government data show that small businesses employed more private-sector workers in 2004, than in 2003, while a survey finds that small businesses are less likely to offer health benefits. USA Today.
Public Financing Measure Could Result in Health Care Initiative
Proposition 89 would make it possible for its sponsor, the California Nurses Association, or other not-for-profit organizations to “raise unlimited funds” in support of a ballot initiative “while their opponents would be at a disadvantage,” an editorial states. Fresno Bee.