Calif. insurer's rate increases draw attention of federal government
President Obama's secretary of health and human services fired off a sharply worded letter to a California insurer Monday, demanding to know why it is raising rates for individual policyholders by as much as 39 percent. The unusual salvo offers a reminder that, even as health-care legislation lies in limbo in Washington, the battle over surging health care costs continues in other venues.
Washington Post
When healthcare coverage is insurance in name only
The L'Esperances are your typical American family. They work hard. They try to get ahead. They don't ask anyone for help. And they pray they don't get sick. Mom and Dad -- a.k.a. Laguna Beach residents Jan and Paul L'Esperance -- sell kitchenware on behalf of various manufacturers. They've just been informed by Anthem Blue Cross that premiums for their health insurance will rise 18% to $985 a month.
Los Angeles TImes
University of Chicago RNs Speak Out -Hospital Cuts Endanger Patient Care
University of Chicago Medical Center registered nurses will hold a press conference Tuesday to warn that hospital administration demands for sweeping reductions in RN and patient care standards erode safety conditions at the hospital and threaten the retention and recruitment of RNs.
Press Release
Nov 22, 2010
Former eBay CEO rewrites campaign spending book
Chartered jets that offer "white glove service," fancy fundraisers in Beverly Hills and beyond, and enough high-priced political consultants to fill an auditorium. Those are a few of billionaire Meg Whitman's favorite things as she carries out her remarkably lavish campaign for California governor.
Associated Press
Federal Government Indicts Sutter/CPMC to Block Illegal Health Plan Imposed On San Francisco RNs
Sutter Health's California Pacific Medical Center (Sutter/CPMC) is facing an upcoming trial over the unilateral imposition on January 1, 2010 of an unlawful health plan on registered nurses and other workers.
Press Release
CA Seizes Health Reform Initiative--Single-Payer Passes Senate
Congress may not have the political courage to move forward with a national health reform agenda...but in California the drive to pass guaranteed healthcare reform is back on track, with the Senate today passing legislation by a 22 to 14 vote to enact Medicare for all, single-payer reforms.
DailyKOS.com
Major Advance for Healthcare Reform as Senate Passes Medicare for All Legislation
To ecstatic applause from healthcare advocates, the California Senate today breathed new life into national prospects for fundamental health reform by passing on a 22 to 14 vote a major bill to guarantee healthcare in the state through creating a Medicare for all system that would cover every Californian.
Press Release
Haiti's 'floating hospital': Tough questions on USNS Comfort
Yvelot Brianville, 24, lies quietly on a steel hospital gurney, a boyish naval officer in blue combat fatigues standing by his side. The officer, Lt. Cmdr. Mill Etienne, 34, is Haitian, fluent in Creole. He is also a neurologist, called to the intensive-care ward of this floating U.S. Navy hospital just off the coast of Port-au-Prince to assess the impact of Haiti's earthquake on one man's spine.
USA Today
Unions Can't Compete With Corporate Campaign Cash
Some union leaders think that the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Citizens United v. FEC -- which essentially takes the limits off campaign spending -- will give them the same flexibility and freedom to influence the process as it does corporations.
The Beat
RNs Urge Congress to Overturn Court Ruling-"Disastrous Decision for American Workers, Democracy"
The nation's largest nurses union today urged Congress to act quickly to reverse the Supreme Court decision allowing unlimited corporate spending in political campaigns, calling it a "disastrous ruling for American workers and American democracy."
Press Release
Nov 22, 2010