Latest California Healthline Stories
Senators Seek Increase in Physician Reimbursements
A letter from 80 senators to leaders of the chamber said reducing Medicare physician reimbursements would “destabilize the program and put at risk all patients’ access to health care.” CQ HealthBeat.
California Cities Ranked Among Lowest for Premium Costs
Seven California cities are among those where residents pay the lowest prices for children’s health insurance, and three are among those with the lowest monthly premiums for family coverage, according to a study. San Diego Union-Tribune, eHealthInsurance.
Nursing School Slated To Open Next Month
A four-year nursing program at California State University-San Marcos will admit 44 students during the first semester. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Retail Clinics Among Trends Influencing Health Care
KQED’s “Health Dialogues” will feature a discussion about the effect of retail clinics and other trends on health care delivery in California. KQED.
President Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, prompting researchers and advocates to consider the implications for California’s stem cell research program. Boston Globe et al.
County Supervisors Approve Needle Exchange
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors approved two needle exchange programs to reduce needle sharing and the spread of certain diseases. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Supervisors Approve Health Access Plan
A measure to provide access to health care for all San Francisco residents must be approved a second time and be signed by the mayor to take effect. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Stem Cell Legislation Goes to Bush
The Senate approved a bill that would expand federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research. Gov. Schwarzenegger expressed his support for the bill to President Bush, who is expected to veto it. AP/TheDenverChannel.com et al.
Schwarzenegger Signs Bill To Expand Health Care Coverage
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law that will provide $540 million to provide health care coverage for the uninsured, but he will no longer pursue a plan to shift elderly and disabled Medi-Cal beneficiaries into managed care plans under a previous agreement with the federal government. Sacramento Bee, Office of the Governor.
Agreement Provides Funds for County Hospital
Monterey County supervisors approved a plan under which two local hospitals will contribute as much as $8 million to Natividad Medical Center. The agreement calls for changes to hospital operations. Monterey County Herald.