Latest California Healthline Stories
Reaction Mixed to Health-Related Provisions of Schwarzenegger Budget Proposal
Health care players reacted differently to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2005-2006. Some Democratic lawmakers voiced opposition to some provisions related to health care, but organizations representing California health care providers praised other proposals.
Medicare HMO Members Get Savings for 2005
Provisions in the 2003 Medicare law provided funds to increase payments to Medicare HMOs and expand benefits for seniors covered under such plans. However, some advocates are concerned that Congress might consider reducing such funding because of federal budget deficits.
Legislators Pursue Universal Health Care Proposals
Despite the repeal of a state law that would have required some employers to provide health insurance to employees, some California legislators are pursuing legislation that would create a universal health care system in the state. The details of the proposals vary but reflect legislators’ sustained interest in expanding health coverage.
California IPAs Take Increased Role in IT Adoption
A recent survey of physicians found wide gaps between small and large physician practices’ IT adoption. In California, several forces are attempting to change that, with large independent practice associations in the state beginning to play a larger role in shaping physicians’ IT uptake.
Population Increases, More Elderly Residents Challenge California Nursing Homes
A growing population and increases in the number of elderly residents pose unique challenges for California nursing homes. Some advocates have praised the governor’s enactment of legislation to alter the Medi-Cal reimbursement system for nursing homes, but others say that other changes are needed.
Outcome of Health-Related Ballot Measures Has Implications for Future Reform Efforts
Some health policy players say that the outcome of the five health-related ballot measures on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot could inform future efforts to reform health care but differ as to what comes next. Looking at the results, some see increased support for expanding health coverage, while others see voter sensitivity to the state budget deficit and economy.
Clinical Information Technology Systems Play Larger Role in Chronic Disease Care
Efforts are under way in California and nationwide to use clinical information technology to improve care for patients with chronic diseases. But whether IT can help the fragmented health care system save money or improve care remains unclear.
Reaction To Nurse Staffing Rules Generally Favorable
Almost a year after nurse staffing rules took effect in California, the rules are generally positively received in the health care industry, although some groups are concerned about the rules’ impact on hospitals.
California Health Care Spending Below National Average
Distinct economic, political and social conditions in California result in a unique health care marketplace, in which some costs and utilization rates are below the national average, while some outcome measures are above the national average. Some health policy players consider possible explanations.
Medi-Cal Redesign Effort Being Informed by Other States’ Experiences
As the Schwarzenegger administration considers plans to redesign Medi-Cal, they are looking to other states that have taken on similar projects with their own Medicaid programs for examples of what such reforms can entail.