Kaiser has free screenings on cataracts for the needy
Surgeons perform a cataract operation as part of the Mission Cataract USA program. Kaiser Permanente’s Point West Medical Offices will have free exams on April 17 this year for people with no insurance.
Kaiser Permanente will offer screenings to area residents who may be eligible for a free eye cataract surgery. The screenings will be April 17 at the Kaiser Permanente Point West Medical Offices, 1650 Response Road, Sacramento. Appointments are mandatory and must by made my April 9.
To sign up, or to request more information, call: (916) 973-7159.
The surgeries are part of Mission Cataract USA, an annual program where doctors provide surgery to people who have no health insurance and can’t afford the operation. Kaiser Permanente physicians and staff have volunteered for for 15 years and will perform as many as 20 free cataract surgeries in early May.
Kaiser grants help Yolo, Sacramento programs
Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente said two local groups will benefit from grants it issued in the last quarter of 2009.
Sacramento’s Cover the Kids health program will use its $75,000 grant for personnel who will help increase enrollment and retention in health insurance for eligible children in Sacramento County.
Yolo County Children’s Alliance will use its $50,000 grant to hire an additional full-time, bilingual outreach employee in West Sacramento. The new hire will help low-income families enroll in health insurance programs.
Kaiser grants help Yolo, Sacramento programs
Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente said two local groups will benefit from grants it issued in the last quarter of 2009.
Sacramento’s Cover the Kids health program will use its $75,000 grant for personnel who will help increase enrollment and retention in health insurance for eligible children in Sacramento County.
Yolo County Children’s Alliance will use its $50,000 grant to hire an additional full-time, bilingual outreach employee in West Sacramento. The new hire will help low-income families enroll in health insurance programs.
Database: What California hospitals charge
SUNÑSTAR PHOTO BY GEORGE MACDONALD
Emergency room physicians at Mercy Medical Center Merced
have billed patients for services not covered by insurance. Last week Gov. Schwarzenegger signed a regulation making the practice illegal.
The UC Davis Medical Center recently sent a $29,000 bill to the parents of a murdered CSUS student, drawing attention to how much hospitals charge patients without insurance. This database shows the average cost of a hospital stay involving common diagnoses for nearly every hospital in California.
Prostate cancer screening and workshop scheduled
The Sacramento Urban League is hosting its third annual workshop and free screening for prostate cancer.
The event is planned from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Urban League, 3725 Marysville Blvd.
A key goal is to reduce the high mortality rates for prostate cancer in minority populations, organizer Kim Garrett said. Previous screenings have drawn as many as 300 participants, including many people without health insurance or at risk of losing coverage through unemployment, she said.
Besides free, anonymous testing for prostate cancer, the workshop includes nutrition information and demonstrations on preparing healthy meals.