Governor Threatens To Hold Out on Signing State Budget Package

Gov. Schwarzenegger said California might not have a budget until his successor takes over in January, unless lawmakers agree to his proposals. The governor has proposed cuts to Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and other programs. Los Angeles Times et al.

Kaiser, Anthem Show Little Interest in New Federal High-Risk Pool

Two major California insurers said they do not plan to participate in the new high-risk health insurance pool that the state is creating under the federal health reform law. Both insurers already participate in the state's existing high-risk pool. Sacramento Business Journal.

Poll Finds Many Elderly U.S. Residents Unaware of Reform Provisions

A National Council on Aging survey finds that few elderly Americans can provide correct answers to questions on the health reform law. The council is rolling out a nationwide initiative to educate elderly residents about the overhaul. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Anthem Blue Cross Hires New President Following Predecessor's Departure

Pam Kehaly, a former Aetna executive, has been named president and general manager of Anthem Blue Cross after former president Leslie Margolin resigned last week. Anthem has faced intense criticism this year over proposed rate hikes. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.

Opponents of Overhaul Keep Up Push To Revoke Aspects of Reform Law

GOP Senator Mike Johanns is calling for the removal of a tax-reporting stipulation in the health reform law requiring certain entities to file additional IRS forms. Meanwhile, a new petition asks Congress to vote on repealing the law. The Hill, CQ HealthBeat.

New Study Linking End-of-Life Directives With Hospitalization Has Implications for California

Kenneth Brummel-Smith of Florida State University College of Medicine, Judy Citko of the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California and Jeffrey Yee of Woodland Healthcare spoke with California Healthline about the study.

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Capitol Desk

Medicaid Waiver Bills Still in Play at Capitol

Most bills met the hard legislative deadline of Aug. 31, but two bills that could mean as much as $10 billion for California's Medi-Cal program are still in play.

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State Regulators Seeking Up to $9.9B in Fines From PacifiCare

State Medical Board Walks Gray Line When Disciplining Doctors

Study: Many ED Visits Could Be Handled by Urgent, Retail Clinics

More Than Half of Acute Care Visits Not Made to Primary Care Physician

Advocates Call for More Efforts To Enroll Kids in Public Health Coverage

Millions of Eligible Kids Not Enrolled in CHIP, Medicaid, Study Finds

UCLA Study Finds Rising Levels of Obesity, Diabetes in California

Single Payer Goes Quietly Into That Last Night

Senate Passes Bill That Aims To Revive State Breast Cancer Program

As Deadline Nears, Lawmakers Pass Bills To Cover More Care

State Regulators Seeking Up to $9.9B in Fines From PacifiCare

State Medical Board Walks Gray Line When Disciplining Doctors

Insurance Department OKs Health Net's Plan To Increase Premium Rates

California First With Exchange, but What Will It Look Like?

UCLA Study Finds Rising Levels of Obesity, Diabetes in California