Viewpoints: On Health Law, California Soared Highest, Now It Has Furthest To Fall
A selection of opinions on health care developments from around the state.
Sacramento Bee:
Why California Has Most To Lose In Obamacare Repeal
California probably gained more than any other state from the Affordable Care Act, the federal health reform better known as Obamacare. Now, with the program facing an almost certain demise, the state and its low-income residents have the most to lose. (Daniel Weintraub, 12/12)
Orange County Register:
Dumping Obamacare Would Harm Millions In California
President-elect Donald Trump probably does not lose much sleep over it, but millions of Californians have spent wakeful nights since his election wondering what will happen to their health care if he follows through on his promise to “eliminate Obamacare on Day 1.” That day is just weeks away now. If the promise is kept (and Trump so far shows signs of ignoring some promises he made during the election season while carrying out others), it could affect about 4.6 million Californians whose health insurance is at least partly funded by outgoing President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. (Thomas Elias, 12/14)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Health Care In The Crosshairs
President-elect Donald Trump has called on Congress to make the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act its first priority in January. It did not take long for the reality to emerge about the political and practical barriers of undoing President Obama’s signature achievement, even with Republicans in control of both the legislative and executive branches. In its simplest form, it’s a math problem. (12/11)
Orange County Register:
Revolutionizing Mental Health Care
In September, the Children’s Hospital of Orange County broke ground on its Pediatric Mental Health Facility, which will house Orange County’s first inpatient program that can accommodate children under the age of 12. It will also allow CHOC to open intensive outpatient programs and expand mental health services for children with chronic illnesses. I was proud to be a part of the ground-breaking ceremony and see so many members of our community come together for this common goal.When CHOC broke ground on that facility, it broke down barriers and removed some of the unfair stigmas associated with mental health. (Mimi Walters, 12/10)
Los Angeles Times:
The GOP Unveils A 'Permanent Save' For Social Security — With Massive Benefit Cuts
Amid all the hand-wringing over Republican plans to eviscerate Medicare and Medicaid and repeal the Affordable Care Act, it shouldn’t be overlooked that the GOP has the knives out for Social Security too. The latest reminder comes from Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Tex., chairman of the Ways and Means Social Security subcommittee. Johnson on Thursday uncorked what he termed a “plan to permanently save Social Security.” Followers of GOP habits won’t be surprised to learn that it achieves this goal entirely through benefit cuts, without a dime of new revenues such as higher payroll taxes on the wealthy. (Michael Hiltzik, 12/9)
Los Angeles Times:
The Zika Disaster Will Test The GOP's Capacity To Manage Serious Healthcare Emergencies
The Zika crisis, which seems to have faded from memory since it became a big news item this summer, has roared back with a vengeance, thanks to a just-published study indicating that the virus’ effect on infants of women infected during pregnancy is much worse than previously known. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that 42% of infants infected in the womb had serious birth defects. (Michael Hiltzik, 12/14)
Los Angeles Times:
California Has Long Wait Lists For Liver Transplants, But Not For The Reasons You Think
About 7,000 people get a liver transplant each year in the United States, while 17,000 remain on waiting lists at transplant centers. Who should get a lifesaving transplant has always been a complex calculation. But it has blown up into a vicious political struggle that played out most recently at a meeting of the organization governing the nation’s transplant network. (Willscott Naugler, 12/13)
Orange County Register:
Three Strategies For Controlling, Possibly Reversing, Diabetes
Someone you know may be fighting a losing battle for life. As Type 2 diabetes reaches epidemic proportions, the need for alternative treatment methods is urgent. Over 422 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. (Amy Osmond Cook, 12/15)
Sacramento Bee:
Telemedicine The Cure For Rural Areas
Digital health innovations and applications, including virtual doctor’s appointments and smartphone health apps, can help us live better and longer lives. But many rural Californians don’t have access to these services as access to broadband internet and access to health care is rapidly becoming one and the same. (Eric Brown, 12/15)
The Orange County Register:
Marijuana Is Legal In California, But Prop. 64 Won't Help You In A Custody Battle
Along with legalizing recreational marijuana, Prop. 64 ads some protections for medical marijuana patients. Among them: California courts can no longer rescind or restrict a parent’s custodial rights solely because they have recommendations for medical marijuana. State officials say that’s really nothing new, insisting they remove children or restrict custody only if there’s a clear threat or evidence of harm as a result of marijuana use. (Edwards Staggs, 12/14)