Latest California Healthline Stories
SPECIAL AUDIO REPORT: CMA Chief Says Health Care Reform Within Reach
Joe Dunn said “of course” CMA opposes a provision of the governor’s health care plan that calls for physician contributions but that he has “cautious optimism” about the prospects for reform in California’s this year.
Will Health Care Reform Lead to a Single-Payer System?
Health care advocates are evaluating reform proposals offered by Gov. Schwarzenegger and leaders of the Assembly and Senate as short-term strategies to address flaws in the health care system, possibly interim steps toward a single-payer health system.
EHR Adoption Efforts Should Focus on Small Practices
A survey of physicians in Massachusetts found that practice size strongly correlated with EHR adoption, as 52% of practices with 7 or more physicians reported using an EHR, compared with just 14% of solo practices.
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.
Computer Program Used To Define Basic Coverage
A not-for-profit California organization has designed a project using a computer-based program to solicit public input on what basic coverage for the uninsured should include.
More Choices for California Medicare Beneficiaries in 2007
CMS officials are praising California beneficiaries’ wider variety of options for Medicare drug coverage in 2007, but some health care advocates say the increased options could lead to more confusion.
SPECIAL AUDIO REPORT: Does California Need a Health IT Czar?
Stakeholders at the recent summit meeting for the California Regional Health Information Organization discuss recommendations for advancing health information technology in California. Audio.