Latest California Healthline Stories
Backers Say Health Plan Tax Has Enough Support To Gain Passage
The special legislative session will likely continue longer, though, as lawmakers attempt to work out various tobacco measures. The assisted death law that passed last year, however, cannot take effect until 90 days after the session closes.
For Bernie Sanders And Hillary Clinton, Health Policies Now ‘Wedge’ Issues
Health proposals — including buzz words such as “universal coverage” or the “public option” — are proving to be divisive issues this election season. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is endorsed by former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
Investigators: HHS Officials Overlooked Warnings About Healthcare.gov’s Early Troubles
Also in the news, a national bipartisan group is urging universal long-term care, the U.S. Senate is moving toward confirmation of the Obama administration’s pick to head the Food and Drug Administration and the Supreme Court next week will hear arguments in a major abortion case.
Zika Outbreak Highlights Vulnerabilities Of The Public Health System
With diminished public health funding following budget cuts, state and local officials across the country say they’ve been lucky to have been able to handle outbreaks such as Zika at all. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has officially asked Congress for $1.9 billion in emergency spending to combat the virus.
Orange County Launches Clean-Needle Program
These programs stem from the idea that, if drug use can’t be halted, substituting clean needles for dirty ones might reduce the harms — such as exposure to diseases and infections — that users face. Also, in Kern Country, sheriff’s department deputies will be trained in how to administer a life-saving drug to people who overdose on opioids.
Health Care At Fourth California Prison Gets Failing Grade
Valley State Prison in Chowchilla fared poorly in nine of the 14 benchmarks used by inspectors.
C-Section Rates Dip At California Hospitals
But the state’s medical facilities still fall short of national targets, according to data released Monday. In other news, a joint study from Duke and Peking universities concludes that smog and air pollution contribute to childhood obesity.
San Fernando Valley To Benefit From LA Homelessness Plans
In the county, 13 percent of those who identify as homeless are from the San Fernando Valley. In other news, a panel of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 to approve an ordinance raising the legal age to buy tobacco products. The full board will consider it next Tuesday.
Patients Pay The Price As Public Health Consortium Battles Insurance Carriers
Alameda Health System has not reached payment agreements with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California, so some of the county’s residents are not able to use the hospitals because they’re out of network. In other news, Zenefits’ new leader is trying to rein in the rambunctious culture at the startup.
Lawmakers Move Closer To Approving Health Plan Tax
A vote on the measure is expected Thursday.