Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser Permanente Expanding Service Offerings
Kaiser Permanente is offering more high-tech medical services to address members’ demand for such treatments. Sacramento Bee.
Bush Budget Proposal Would Raise Deficit by $35B
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that President Bush’s budget proposal would increase the federal deficit by $35 billion this year, despite cuts to health care programs. New York Times, CongressDaily.
Advocates Voice Concern About AIDS Funding Reduction
California HIV/AIDS advocates are worried that changes to federal funding calculations could reduce funding in metropolitan areas and lead to the elimination of certain services. Sacramento Bee.
HSAs Subject to California State Income Tax
Two lawmakers have introduced legislation to provide a state tax break for health savings accounts, but similar efforts have failed in the past. Los Angeles Times.
States Ask SCOTUS To Hear ‘Clawback’ Provision Case
Five states on Friday requested permission to file a lawsuit against HHS in the U.S. Supreme Court, alleging they are being forced by the federal government to fund the Medicare prescription drug benefit in violation of the Constitution. AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
’60 Minutes’ Examines Hospital Billing Practices
Uninsured patients often do not receive discounts on medical services under some hospitals’ billing policies. CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
Bush Administration Continues Emergency Contraception, Medicaid Reform Efforts
Emergency contraception and Medicaid reform are among the domestic policy issues on which President Bush and his administration are continuing to seek action. New York Times.
HSA Proposal Could Benefit Upper-Income People
President Bush’s proposal to expand health savings accounts could provide tax advantages for healthy upper-income U.S. residents. Bloomberg/Winston-Salem Journal, The Hill.
Fewer Small Businesses Offer Health Coverage
An informal survey found that a smaller percentage — 48.5% — of small businesses in California are providing health insurance benefits for workers, compared with previous years. Los Angeles Times.
California Healthline Highlight Recent Hospital News
Kern Medical Center to get $20.4 million from state; Doctors Medical Center, San Pablo to seek funding help