Daily Edition for Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Children's Health, Pandemic Readiness Measures Scrapped From Calif. Ballot: California leaders scratched two voter initiatives from the November ballot on Tuesday, reaching deals with proponents to pull their measures in exchange for legislative changes. Read more from the Los Angeles Times.
US Judge Finds California in Contempt Over Prison Mental Health Staffing
By Don Thompson
A federal judge has found top California officials in contempt for failing to hire enough mental health professionals to adequately treat tens of thousands of incarcerated people with serious mental disorders. The judge ordered the state to pay $112 million in fines.
Closing of Rural Hospitals Leaves Towns With Unhealthy Real Estate
By Taylor Sisk
Dozens of small cities and towns across the United States struggle not just with health care access and the loss of jobs, but also with the burden of what to do with big, empty buildings.
Los Angeles County Approves Medical Debt Relief for Residents
By Molly Castle Work
The most populous county in the U.S. is buying up and retiring millions of dollars in residents’ medical debt as part of its plan to tackle a $2.9 billion burden. But some health experts worry the initiative could incentivize hospitals to pursue debtors rather than boost financial assistance to patients.
Daily Edition for Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Despite Health Benefits, Masks Might Be Banned At LA Protests: The violent protest Sunday at a synagogue has prompted Mayor Karen Bass to say Los Angeles should consider rules governing demonstrations and the wearing of masks by those protesting. Read more from the Los Angeles Times.
California’s $25 Health Care Hourly Wage Relies on Federal Boost, State Worker Exemption
By Don Thompson
California’s nation-leading $25 minimum wage for health workers relies on a significant boost in federal funding. It also leaves out thousands of state employees under an agreement that is expected to win approval from state lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom in the coming days.
Therapists Learn How To Help Farmers Cope With Stress Before It’s Too Late
By Tony Leys
Many farmers have traditionally handled their own problems, whether it’s a busted tractor or debilitating anxiety. “With the older generation, it’s still, ‘Suck it up and get over it,’” says an Iowa mental health advocate and farmer.
US Surgeon General Declares Gun Violence ‘a Public Health Crisis’
By Rachana Pradhan and Fred Clasen-Kelly
Gun violence is the No. 1 cause of death for children and teens in America. Vivek Murthy says the toll extends beyond deaths, as survivors deal with “a lifetime of physical and mental health impacts” and those who witness shootings become traumatized.
An Arm and a Leg: Meet the Middleman’s Middleman
By Dan Weissmann
Why are patients facing bigger bills than they expect for out-of-network care? In this episode of “An Arm and a Leg,” the show explains the hidden mechanics of MultiPlan, a data firm that helps health insurers set these rates and make bigger returns.
Daily Edition for Monday, June 24, 2024
Health Care Workers Likely Won’t Get Raises This Summer: Democrats in the California Legislature have agreed to delay a minimum wage increase for about 426,000 health care workers to help balance the state’s budget. If approved by the Legislature, they could get the raise Oct. 15. Read more from AP.
