Latest California Healthline Stories
CMS To Issue New Protections for MA Beneficiaries Next Month
CMS next month is expected to issue new rules designed to provide Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and physicians with advanced notice if insurers chose to narrow their provider networks. Currently, MA beneficiaries need a special exemption to change plans outside of the open-enrollment period. Washington Post/Kaiser Health News.
CVS, Ralphs To Push Exchange Plans as Enrollment Deadline Nears
CVS Caremark and Ralphs grocery stores have partnered with Covered California to promote health coverage as part of a push to increase exchange enrollment before the March 31 open enrollment deadline. Meanwhile, Sacramento Kings basketball players also are helping to promote the exchange. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.,” Sacramento Business Journal.
UC, Union Reach Contract Deal To Avert Patient Care Workers Strike
The University of California reached a tentative contract agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, averting a planned five-day strike by UC patient care technical workers. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.
Asians Enrolling in Covered Calif. Plans at ‘Surprising’ Rate
Asian residents have enrolled in health coverage through Covered California at a high rate, with many relying on certified insurance brokers for assistance. As of Feb. 28, 23.1% of exchange enrollees identified as Asian or Pacific Islander, while such individuals make up just 13.1% of the state’s population. San Jose Mercury News, KQED’s “State of Health.”
Calif. Advocates, Local Governments and Retirees Stump for Drug Take-Back Bill
Clean water advocates, local California governments and retirees are working together to pass a bill that would require the pharmaceutical industry to create and fund a statewide system to safely dispose of leftover medications. PhRMA opposes the bill, arguing that it is “impractical” and would have “numerous unintended consequences.” Capital Public Radio “KXJZ.”
DHS, Covered Calif. Added 1,600 Employees Over Past Three Years, Payroll Analysis Finds
The California Department of Health Services and the state Health Benefit Exchange hired a total of 1,600 employees from 2011 to 2013, according to an analysis of state payroll records by the Sacramento Bee. In addition, the analysis found that the total payroll for the exchange was $22.8 million in 2013, derived entirely from federal funding. Meanwhile, Gov. Brown’s fiscal year 2014-2015 budget proposal accounts for the hiring of 300 additional exchange workers next year. Sacramento Bee.
Oregon Officials Reportedly Considering Ending State Exchange, Switching to HealthCare.gov
Oregon Gov. Jon Kitzhaber on Thursday announced the departures of three top officials overseeing Cover Oregon, the state’s health insurance exchange, just as a new report was released about significant communications and management problems over the exchange’s problem-plagued website. State officials are said to be discussing strategies to proceed with enrollment for the remainder of this year’s enrollment period and the next period for 2015, including ending its management of Cover Oregon and having residents use HealthCare.gov instead. Modern Healthcare, New York Times.
Editorials Weigh In on Failed Pension Reform Effort
An editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle argues the abandonment of a ballot initiative that would have granted cities greater authority to change pension and retirement benefits for public workers was “a win for organized labor,” adding, “Each year of delay raises the risk that overly optimistic projections on pension-fund investments will not materialize, and future generations will bear the burden in higher taxes and reduced government services.” Meanwhile, a separate editorial in the Orange County Register called the decision to drop the initiative a “shame” and that “such a reform cannot come too soon for cities and counties already struggling under the weight of their pension obligations.” San Francisco Chronicle, Orange County Register.
Pelosi Calls ACA a ‘Winner’ Despite Potential Drawbacks
Last week, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi described the Affordable Care Act as a “winner,” despite the possibility that its provisions could increase premiums for some consumers and jeopardize Democratic politicians’ campaigns. She added that lawmakers should “weigh [the law’s] value as to what it means to the health, well-being, economic and health security of America’s families.” The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
CBO Says Senate Bill To Repeal SGR Would Cost $180B Over 10 Years
A bill by Senate Democrats to repeal and replace Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula would cost about $180 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Lawmakers are trying to address the SGR in advance of a 24% cut to Medicare physician reimbursement that is set to take effect April 1. Modern Healthcare.