Latest California Healthline Stories
SPECIAL AUDIO REPORT: California Healthline Interviews CMA CEO Jack Lewin on 2006 Agenda
In an interview for a California Healthline special audio report, Jack Lewin, CEO and executive vice president of the California Medical Association, said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (R) efforts to address health care issues in his State of the State Address and fiscal year 2006-2007 state budget proposal have fallen short.
Health Care Costs, Expanding Coverage Expected To Figure in 2006 Legislative Session
Some people are expecting a changed dynamic between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and the Legislature in 2006, raising questions about what to expect in health policy this year.
Groups Look to Tobacco Tax Increase for Health Care Funding
Groups seeking to raise funds for children’s health insurance coverage, medical research, and tobacco cessation, as well as a group seeking funds for hospital emergency departments are considering ballot measures in 2006 to increase the state tobacco tax.
California, Federal Officials Address Medi-Cal Funding Strategies
California and 14 other states are in talks with federal officials to address some accounting practices related to Medicaid. California officials say the practices are legitimate but have agreed to some changes requested by CMS officials.
Proposals Could Affect Federal Funding for Medi-Cal
California residents send more federal taxes to Washington, D.C., than they receive in federal funding in part because of the state’s demographic make up. However, proposals for Medicaid funding are under consideration that could increase or decrease the federal contribution to Medi-Cal.
Drug discount programs in Maine and Ohio prompt some questions about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (R) California Rx proposal and other proposals to address medication costs.
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.
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.
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.
Possible Effects of Medi-Cal Redesign, California Performance Review Overshadow Budget Issues
The fiscal year 2004-2005 state budget did not include some funding reductions for health care programs Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) initially proposed, but health care leaders are speculating about possible effects of a state proposal to redesign Medi-Cal and some health-related proposals included in a plan to reorganize the state government.