Latest California Healthline Stories
State Budget Challenges Loom Over Proposals To Expand CHIP, Medicaid
Members of Congress are debating proposals to expand eligibility for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, but governors are harboring concerns about how much the expansions would cost states. Meanwhile, a House panel held a hearing on rescissions, an issue that isn’t foreign to veteran observers of California health care policymaking.
What Could National Health Care Reform Mean for California?
Mitchell Katz of the San Francisco Department of Public Health and Erica Murray of the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems weigh in on the implications of health care reform efforts in Washington, D.C.
States Keep Close Eye on Medicaid Expansion in Reform Debate
This week, legislative leaders in California signed on to a budget agreement that would cut state spending on Medicaid by $1.3 billion just as members of the House are debating a plan to expand eligibility for the program. The bill calls for the federal government to cover the cost of the expansion.
Obama, Democratic Leaders Push for Swift Action on Reform
President Obama has called for both houses of Congress to pass health care reform legislation before lawmakers adjourn for the August recess. House Democrats stepped up to the plate and unveiled their proposal yesterday, and the Senate HELP Committees approved its bill this morning.
Oral Health Advocates Call for More Emphasis on Dental Coverage in Health Care Reform
The California Dental Association’s Dean Chalios, Paul Glassman of the University of the Pacific and Daphne Von Essen of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association discussed oral health care with California Healthline.
What’s the Best Strategy for Funding Health Care Efforts in California?
Much has been made of the May 19 special election in California, and some political analysts have raised questions about what the election results say about voters’ willingness to dedicate specific revenue streams to health care programs. Two state lawmakers shared their thoughts on the issue.
Congress Returns To Work on Reform With Deadlines Looming
President Obama has said he wants to sign health care reform legislation by October. Looking at the calendar, that means Congress has a lot of work to do in the weeks before it adjourns for its August recess, especially on divisive issues like how to pay for reform and whether to include a public plan.
California Offers Examples of Public Plans in House Hearings
Officials for two different types of Medi-Cal managed care plans appeared before a House committee last week in support of including a public plan in health care reform legislation, while a representative of the Pacific Business Group on Health raised businesses’ concerns about such a plan.
Bill Would Amend Medicare Payment Inequities Among California Counties Classified as Rural
Larry deGhetaldi of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Elizabeth McNeil of the California Medical Association and Tom Mentzer, spokesperson for Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), discussed the proposal with California Healthline.
Public Opinion, Research Show Support for Health Care Reform
A slew of public interest polls, research papers and petitions point to overwhelming agreement that the country’s health system needs an overhaul. The flurry of opinion and research arrives as Congress begins deliberation on competing reform bills.