Latest California Healthline Stories
State Children’s Insurance Program Questioned
Illinois lawmakers question whether Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s (D) health insurance program for children will be ready for its July 1 launch. Chicago Tribune, AP/Peoria Journal Star.
More Nurse Funding Included in County Budget
Kern Medical Center will hire 50 new nurses to stabilize the hospital’s workforce and relieve nurses who are working overtime. Bakersfield Californian.
Congress Sends ‘Mixed Signals’ on Medicare Legislation
Lawmakers have proposed a number of bills related to the Medicare drug benefit and other Medicare issues, but the administration of President Bush and Republican leaders in both chambers are reluctant to debate Medicare this year. The Hill.
CalPERS Considers Health Benefit Changes
Plans to increase copayments and eliminate some high-cost care providers from HMO networks are being considered as part of a strategy to control health care cost increases. Sacramento Bee.
The House Appropriations Committee approved the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill, which includes $141.9 billion in discretionary funds. CongressDaily, CQ Today.
Smaller Increase in HMO Premium Rates Expected
Initial estimates indicate HMO premium rates will increase by a smaller percentage next year than this year. AP/Detroit Free Press.
County Budget Increases Mental Health Funds
A 2006-2007 budget approved by Ventura County supervisors includes funding increases for a mental health treatment facility and sets funds aside for future costs, such as improvements to the county hospital. Ventura County Star.
Hospitals Work To Address Hospital Lab Errors
Nine major academic medical centers have sought to redesign systems used to collect, label, handle and interpret blood and tissue samples in one of the largest efforts to address lab errors. Wall Street Journal.
AMA Supports Insurance Mandates
The American Medical Association’s House of Delegates on Tuesday voted to support a proposal to require U.S. residents with annual incomes greater than five times the federal poverty level to maintain health insurance coverage. Chicago Tribune.
State Can Pursue Eyewear Chain Lawsuit
Attorney General Bill Lockyer can proceed with a consumer protection lawsuit against two eyewear chains after a court ruled that the chains’ business arrangement is not protected by state law. Sacramento Bee.