Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Spending on Kids Is Right Financial Thing To Do, Advocates Argue
An annual report card from children’s advocates urges state lawmakers to spend money on children’s health care and education not necessarily because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the right financial thing to do.
Kuehl Hands Off California’s Single-Payer Torch to Leno
The legislative campaign for a single-payer health care system is moving into its second decade in California with newly elected state Sen. Mark Leno ready to deal with same governor who opposes the plan and a weakening economy.
Critics Argue for Overhaul, Expansion of California High-Risk Health Insurance Program
Elizabeth Landsberg of the Western Center on Law and Poverty, Anthony Wright of Health Access and Robert Zirkelbach of America’s Health Insurance Plans spoke to California Healthline about the state’s high-risk insurance program.
State To End Part B Premium Payments for Some Beneficiaries
Thousands of low-income seniors will soon be responsible for paying $96.40 monthly premiums for Medicare Part B that California previously had paid. Senior advocates worry that the change will push some beneficiaries to opt out of Part B, which covers outpatient care.
Report: Disease Prevention Efforts Save Money, Boost Health
Investing $10 per person per year in community-based disease prevention programs could save California $1.7 billion over five years, according to a new report. Beyond the cost savings, advocates trumpet the health improvements as reason enough for the spending.
Autism Advocates Pushing for State Laws Requiring Health Insurers To Cover Treatments
Kristin Jacobson of advocacy group Autism Speaks, Susan Pisano of America’s Health Insurance Plans and Antonio Hardan of Stanford University’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital discuss coverage of autism treatments.
Financial Meltdown Taking California Budget From Bad to Worse
California’s health care system, already reeling from Medi-Cal cutbacks, faces new risks if the receding economy pushes health insurance out of reach for more people, as many predict it will.
Economy a Hurdle for Children’s Hospital Bond Measure
Proposition 3 seeks $980 million in bond funds to expand children’s hospitals in California. Voters like the idea but worry about adding financial burden to already troubled state finances.
California Lobbies CMS Over Changes in Family Planning Program
Family planning advocates say federally ordered changes in California’s Family Planning, Access, Care and Treatment program will harm patients and cost the state and federal governments more money in the process.
California Falls Far Short of Federal Guidelines for Nurse-to-Student Ratios in Schools
Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.), Linda Davis-Alldritt of the state Department of Education, Nancy Spradling of the California School Nurses Association and Mary Jean Schumann of the American Nurses Association discussed the shortage.