Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Universal Health Care Bill Gets Another Chance In California
AP: California Democrats Revive Universal Health Care Bill
What could be the nation’s first universal health care system found new life on Thursday after California Democrats proposed steep tax hikes to pay for it, prompting strong opposition from insurers, doctors and Republicans at the start of an election year. Progressives in California’s Democratic-dominated state Legislature have long called for a universal health care system to replace the one that mostly relies on private insurance companies. But their plans have often stalled over questions about how to pay for it in a state with nearly 40 million residents. (Beam, 1/7)
KHN: California Ballot Will Be Heavy On Health Care
When Californians go to the polls later this year, they will confront contentious health care choices. Voters will weigh whether to overturn a state law that bans flavored tobacco products and will likely consider increasing the cap on medical malpractice awards. They may also vote on proposals that effectively legalize psychedelic mushrooms and regulating dialysis clinics. (Young, 1/7)
In other California news —
AP: California AG: Don't File Murder Charges In Stillbirths
Prosecutors should not charge women with murder when a fetus dies, even if their behavior may have contributed to the death, California’s top law enforcement official said Thursday. Attorney General Rob Bonta acted after prosecutors in the San Joaquin Valley’s Kings County twice charged women with “fetal murder,” alleging their drug use led to stillbirths. He issued a statewide alert intended to advise law enforcement officials on how to interpret state law. (Thompson, 1/7)
In updates from Tennessee, Florida and Massachusetts —
AP: Investigators: Fire At Planned Parenthood Intentionally Set
A fire that destroyed a Tennessee Planned Parenthood clinic was intentionally set, fire officials said Thursday. Officials are looking for a suspect and asked the public to provide tips to the Knoxville Fire Department, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported. (1/6)
CBS News: Florida Sheriff Hopes 2 Deputies' Suicides Will Be "Catalyst For Change" In Attitude Toward Mental Health
A Florida sheriff mourning the loss of two of his deputies who died by suicide within a matter of days said he hopes the tragedy will be a "catalyst for change" that will help "ease the stigma" surrounding mental health. St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara said the two deputies, Clayton Osteen and Victoria Pacheco, were the parents of a 1-month-old boy. (Sundby, 1/6)
The Hill: Feds Call For Boston Marathon Bomber's COVID-19 Relief Payment To Go Toward $101M He Owes Victims
Federal officials are calling for convicted Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to contribute all of his remaining funds, including a $1,400 coronavirus relief payment, to the $101 million he owes victims and families. Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell for the District of Massachusetts reportedly filed a motion on Wednesday calling for the courts to allow movement of funds from Tsarnaev’s account. If granted, the motion would allow the Bureau of Prisons to transfer all funds toward Tsarnaev’s outstanding payments. (Folmar, 1/6)
