Insurers Gave U.S. Chamber $86 Million Used to Oppose Obama's Health Law
Health insurers last year gave the U.S. Chamber of Commerce $86.2 million that was used to oppose the health-care overhaul law, according to tax records and people familiar with the donation. The insurance lobby, whose members include Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Cigna Corp. of Philadelphia, gave the money to the Chamber in 2009 as Democrats increased criticism of the industry, according to a person who requested anonymity because laws don't require identifying funding sources.
Bloomberg News
Trumka on Social Security: Don't Raise Retirement Age
Among the many skeptics President Obama will have to win over to enact recommendations outlined by leaders of his bipartisan deficit reduction commission: one of the Democratic Party's key allies, AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka. Trumka was visiting National Journal as commission co-chairs Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson were unveiling their ideas Wednesday.
National Journal
Nurses' Union Flexes Political Muscle
One of California's most powerful political players these days is a Bay Area-based nurses' union, which helped torpedo Republican Meg Whitman's efforts to become governor and boosted the prospects of the eventual winning candidate, Democrat Jerry Brown. Now officials of the 85,000-member California Nurses Association say they will keep Gov.-elect Brown's feet to the fire on their agenda of improving conditions for nurses and the state's health-care system.
Wall Street Journal
Nation's Nurses Sharply Criticize Deficit Commission's Bowles-Simpson Proposal
Jean Ross, RN, co-President of National Nurses United, the nation's union and professional association for registered nurses, issued the following statement on suggestions from Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson, co-chairs of the Commission on the Deficit, that Social Security and Medicare be cut:
Press Release
Nov 23, 2010
More Americans opt for high-deductible health insurance plans
Rising costs lead to a nearly threefold increase in the number of workers covered by the policies since 2006. Health experts worry about consumers who forgo preventive care. Looking to save money in a weak economy, Americans increasingly are turning to health insurance plans with low premiums and high deductibles - prompting doctors and health experts to worry that consumers may be skipping routine care that could head off serious ailments.
Los Angeles TImes
Health insurers sit pretty at their customers' expense
It's a good time to be a health insurer. Three of the biggest names in the insurance game reported rock-solid profits last week. Aetna said its third-quarter net income jumped 53% over the same period last year, to $497.6 million. WellPoint, parent of Anthem Blue Cross in California, said its profit rose 1.2% to $739.1 million. Health Net posted a net income of $62.7 million, compared with a loss of $66 million a year earlier.
Los Angeles TImes
Unfair Labor Practice charge filed against Sparrow Hospital
An Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against Sparrow Hospital has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The charge, submitted by the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA), presents evidence that Sparrow Hospital restrained, coerced and interfered with its employees in the exercise of their Section 7 rights of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to join, form or assist a labor organization. In addition, the charge states that Sparrow has failed and refused to bargain in good faith with the MNA. MNA is the collective bargaining representative for the Professional Employees Council of Sparrow Hospital (PECSH), which represents the health care professionals employed by the Hospital.
Press Release
Nov 23, 2010
Nurses Gather to Honor Fallen Hero Cynthia Palomata, RN on Wed. Nov. 10
The California Nurses Association is inviting friends, neighbors, patients, and community leaders to a special vigil this Wednesday, Nov. 10 to honor the life and bravery of RN Cynthia Palomata, who was killed by a patient she was caring for last month. CNA will hold the vigil Wednesday in Martinez, Calif. near the Contra Costa jail where Palomata was killed.
Press Release
Nov 23, 2010
Workers' health insurance costs for 2011 include higher premiums and co-payments
For millions of Americans who get their health insurance through their job, autumn brings not only falling leaves and cooler breezes, but also difficult choices. That's because it's the time when many employers present workers with their insurance options for the coming year.
Washington Post
Calif. Nurses Congratulate Gov.-Elect Brown & Sen. Boxer
The California Nurses Association today offered congratulations to Gov.-elect Jerry Brown and returning U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer for their impressive, double-digit election wins, and to California voters for providing a national alternative to the conservative, corporate-oriented economic program that won so many other races nationwide.
Press Release
Nov 23, 2010