Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser, Nurses Reach Tentative Contract Deal
A tentative agreement between Kaiser Permanente and nurses in Northern and Central California includes provisions that would preserve nurses’ ability to join unions and increase nurses’ wages over the next five years. Los Angeles Times, Contra Costa Times.
Drug Discount Bill Expected To Be Enacted
Gov. Schwarzenegger is expected to sign legislation that would provide discounts of up to 60% on prescription drugs for an estimated five million Californians. Sacramento Bee et al.
CMS Sends Instructions for Erroneous Reimbursements
Medicare beneficiaries can call a toll-free number to receive information about whether the glitch affected them, CMS said in a letter that also included instructions for how beneficiaries could refund the government. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Increased Strikes Affect Nurse Wages
Companies that provide replacement nurses during strikes have begun recruitment efforts in California, Ohio and Rhode Island to meet increased demand as nurses at more hospitals strike. Wall Street Journal.
Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage Declines in California
Labor leaders say health benefits will be central to upcoming contract negotiations, but some experts say action beyond contract negotiations is needed to address declining rates of employer-sponsored health insurance coverage. San Francisco Chronicle.
Schwarzenegger, Angelides Campaign Over Labor Day
Gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides decried current tax policies and the state’s deficit, while Gov. Schwarzenegger highlighted a prescription drug discount plan and other compromises with the Legislature at campaign stops over the weekend. Los Angeles Times, Oakland Tribune.
Schwarzenegger Announces Appointments
Gov. Schwarzenegger appointed two people to positions at the Health and Human Services Agency. Office of the Governor.
Governor Considers Health Care Legislation
The Legislature sent a number of measures to Gov. Schwarzenegger before the legislative session ended, including bills that would create a public health department and reform workers’ compensation laws. AP/Orange County Register et al.
State Should Release Mental Health Funds
About $1 billion in unexpected revenue from a state tax increase to fund mental health services should be disbursed to counties rather than held by the state, according to an editorial. Los Angeles Times.