Latest Morning Briefing Stories
Counties Debate Effects of Medicaid Citizenship Law
California county officials are voicing concerns about what to expect when they began enforcing a new federal law that requires proof-of-citizenship to obtain Medicaid benefits and are questioning whether the expected fiscal savings will materialize.
Health Coverage Mandates Raise New Issue in Debate
At least 30 states nationwide are considering legislation to require that large employers spend a percentage of their payroll on health care coverage for employees. Supporters say the efforts are intended to shore up Medicaid and other safety-net programs, but employers say such bills raise larger issues.
SPECIAL AUDIO REPORT: Ortiz Discusses Outlook for Health Care Legislation in 2006
Senate Health Committee Chair Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento) discusses the Medicare drug benefit, children’s health coverage and other health care issues that she expects the Legislature to take up in 2006.
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.