Latest California Healthline Stories
Los Angeles County Opts Out of Hospital Reporting Program
Los Angeles County officials cited costs and lack of staff as reasons for declining to participate in a new hospital report card project in 2006. More than 200 hospitals statewide will participate. Los Angeles Times.
CalPERS Considers Benefit Changes
Proposals under consideration would require members who seek care at hospitals to make copayments of $250 and those who seek care at ambulatory clinics to make copays of $25. Los Angeles Times.
Union Asks County To Waive Fees for Hospital
The union representing workers at Alameda County Medical Center has asked the county to forgive interest payments and stop charging clinics rent, as the hospital faces a budget deficit in the next fiscal year. Oakland Tribune.
Cancer Screening Program Loses Federal Funding
CDC stopped funding a cancer screening program for uninsured women in California because the state health department did not properly report data. The program will continue with state funding. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Editorial, Letter Focus on Health Care Reform
An editorial and letter to the editor published in the Los Angeles Times discuss ideas for improving the U.S. health care system, including legislation currently being debated by Congress. Los Angeles Times.
IRS Begins Audit of Not-For-Profit Hospitals
The 80-question survey queries hospitals on topics such as whether their emergency departments ever deny care to people who request it and how many patients receive uncompensated care, among other issues. New York Times.
Some Obstacles to Drug Coverage Decrease
Problems experienced by some dual eligibles switched to the Medicare drug benefit have decreased since the program began. USA Today, CQ HealthBeat.
Nurse Staffing an Issue in HHS Lawsuit
Three nursing groups filed a lawsuit against HHS over allegations related to federal nurse-staffing requirements for hospitals. CQ HealthBeat.
Schwarzenegger Confident Budget Will Pass Soon
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he believes lawmakers will reach a budget agreement by July 1 and also said all children — regardless of immigration status — should have access to some form of health care. Sacramento Bee et al.