Latest California Healthline Stories
What Is California Going To Do About Retiree Health Costs?
Gov. Schwarzenegger has formed a commission to weigh the options, but it remains to be seen how California will cover the projected $48 billion cost of health benefits for retired state workers. Moreover, is this the issue that will lead to large-scale health care reform?
San Francisco Moves Ahead With Health Coverage Expansion
The Healthy San Francisco program won’t offer health insurance, per se, but the effort to make health care services available to all city residents is drawing attention, as businesses and advocates await the outcome of a suit challenging one aspect of the plan’s funding mechanism.
Groups in California Take Aim at Medicare Payments
How much should Medicare pay doctors and hospitals? That’s the question at the heart of two claims filed in California. One argues that Medicare is shortchanging care providers, while the other maintains that inflated reimbursements are hitting beneficiaries in the wallet.
Public Health Insurance Is There But Enrollment Is Lagging
Almost three million of California’s uninsured are eligible for immediate health insurance, but such an influx of new beneficiaries would require the state and federal governments to increase funding for a range of public health insurance programs.
What Kind of Health Care Vehicle Is California Looking for?
Business interests agree that the health care system is in need of a fix, but they have yet to fall in line behind a single proposal. Looking back on the repeal of California’s last attempt at large-scale health reform, those pushing reform are quick to recognize the need to win businesses’ favor.
California Hospitals Wonder if Feds Will Kick in for Health Reform
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s health care reform plan would rely on $3.7 billion in federal funds, but officials for the California Hospital Association are not convinced that the federal government will come through with the money.
Health Care Reform Efforts Taking Shape
Talk of health care reform in California is drawing attention nationwide, with some leaders who have a stake in the health care system saying that whatever happens in California could shape efforts nationwide.
Getting Health Insurance for All: A Paradoxical Problem
A new study by the Public Policy Institute of California indicates that the number of immigrants living in California could pose special challenges to efforts to expand health insurance coverage, especially for undocumented immigrants who are ineligible for government programs.
Pay for Performance a Factor in Medicare Reform
California HMOs have adopted pay-for-performance programs at a higher rate than the national average, and other states are encouraging CMS to adopt the programs, which some see as a way of addressing the sustainability of Medicare and Medicaid.
Health Care Reform a Priority for 2007
Gov. Schwarzenegger plans to announce a health care reform proposal in his January 2007 State of the State address, and at least two other legislative proposals on health care reform will be introduced.