Latest California Healthline Stories
Efforts To Cover Uninsured Overlook Undocumented Residents
Lawmakers proposing legislation to provide universal health care coverage do not take into account the number of uninsured undocumented immigrants in the state. Oakland Tribune.
Immigration Proposals Could Increase Medicaid Costs
Legislative proposals that would provide legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants could increase Medicaid and welfare costs. CQ Today.
Bill Would Require Medical Error Disclosure
Legislation introduced to improve patient safety at hospitals would require public disclosure of medical errors and increase state inspections of the facilities. Sacramento Bee.
Medicare Rx Deadline Extension Not Permissible, Official Says
An extension of the May 15 enrollment deadline for the Medicare prescription drug benefit is “legally not permissible,” CMS Deputy Administrator Leslie Norwalk said on Friday. AP/St. Paul Pioneer Press et al.
Few Orthopedists Accept Medi-Cal Coverage
Many orthopedic specialists do not accept patients with Medi-Cal coverage because of low reimbursements. Daily Press.
AFL-CIO President Criticizes Massachusetts Health Care Bill
AFL-CIO President John Sweeney last week criticized a recently enacted Massachusetts law that requires residents to have health insurance. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Obese, Overweight Patients Necessitate Changes at Hospitals
Hospitals are purchasing equipment to accommodate overweight and obese patients and nurses are supporting legislation to mandate safe lifting policies. Fresno Bee.
San Francisco Plans for Mental Health Funds
San Francisco mental health officials will begin accepting proposals for Proposition 63 funds from local mental health care providers. San Francisco Examiner.
Citizenship Proof Required for Medicaid Services
A new federal law will require individuals seeking health care services through Medicaid to show proof of U.S. citizenship beginning on July 1, a provision that was included in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. New York Times.
Senate Bill Would Limit Ability of Defense Department To Increase TRICARE Fees
Six senators have agreed to co-sponsor a bipartisan bill that would limit a Department of Defense proposal to increase TRICARE fees for some military retirees. CongressDaily.