Latest California Healthline Stories
Pennsylvania Considers Universal Children’s Health Insurance
Under a plan introduced by Gov. Ed Rendell (D), families would pay premiums based on a sliding scale to obtain coverage for children. Legislators said they would approve a plan this year. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Revenue and membership increased for Kaiser Permanente’s hospital and health plan operations, but profit fell by about 25% from 2005. Pacific Business News.
Democrats Question Schwarzenegger’s Response to Heat Wave
Democrats said declaring a state of emergency during a heat wave in July could have helped local governments deal with the disaster better. More than 100 deaths in California have been attributed to the heat wave. Sacramento Bee.
Lawmakers, Industry React to Hospital Payment Proposal
Reaction has been mixed to CMS’ proposal on reimbursements for outpatient services and specialty hospitals. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Bill Would Increase Transparency at State Fund
A bill that would allow the state auditor to review the administration and finances of State Compensation Insurance Fund has received no opposition in the Senate or Assembly, but State Fund officials want to keep some information confidential. Los Angeles Times, Contra Costa Times.
Percentage of Overweight Infants Increasing
A new study finds that the percentage of overweight children increased from 1980 to 2001, while the percentage of children at risk for becoming overweight also increased. USA Today et al.
Supporters Rally for Single-Payer Health System
Advocates say a bill to create a single-payer health care system in California could save consumers and businesses up to $8 billion annually through negotiated discounts. Gov. Schwarzenegger opposes the legislation. Sacramento Bee.
Aging Inmate Population Will Drive Up Health Costs
Health costs are two to three times higher for prison inmates ages 50 or older than for younger inmates, according to a study. Older prison inmates comprise 11% of California’s prison population. AP/San Jose Mercury News et al.
The Department of Managed Health Care is expected to announce a record $2 million fine against Kaiser Permanente for problems in its Northern California kidney transplant program. Los Angeles Times et al.