Budget still at a snails pace
All the budget update articles today say basically the same thing: Legislators are still trudging along, and a budget is nowhere in sight, despite the “deal” that was struck two weeks ago.
Here are HealthPoint’s two picks for today:
From the Philadelphia Inquirer, a general update through the eyes of Rep. Bud George:
Camille “Bud” George, the plain-talking [...]
Pa. isn’t expected to lose jobs when Pfizer acquires Wyeth
Wyeth and Pfizer move closer to completing acquisition.
Sestak: “Time for the Senate to Vote on Public Health Care Choice”
Sestak calls for vote in the Senate on public health care option.
Health care issues: Insurance cooperatives
By The Associated Press (AP)
A look at key issues in the health care debate:
THE ISSUE: Are consumer-run co-ops a realistic alternative to a new government-run insurance option?
THE POLITICS: The Democratic push for a government-run insurance plan to compete in the marketplace is running into brisk resistance in Congress. As a possible compromise, some lawmakers have [...]
Obama plan would tighten rules on toxic chemicals
The Obama administration proposed tighter regulation on chemicals used in consumer products and in the work place. Public health advocates are very pleased to hear the news. Congress will have to draft new legislation to replace the current system.
Hospitals round-up for 9/30
News on Temple University Hospital, St. Clair Hospital, Altoona Regional Health System, Hershey Medical Center, Hanover Hospital, and Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Work begins on national e-health record network
The switch to digital hospital records from paper records will not come easy. Making records more accessible is a big part of the effort. Complicating matters, though, is that the industry still has to figure out how to ensure the records don’t get locked into just one health care provider’s computer network and can instead follow patients as they move around.
Foundation says PA’s Medicaid and CHIP costs will jump
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation conducted a study that concludes hospital costs for uncompensated health care will soar in the absence of a comprehensive change in the nation’s health care system.
U.S. Senate committee rejects two Dem reform proposals
Each of them included a form of a public health insurance option.