Latest California Healthline Stories
Emails Show Feds Had Doubts About ACA Website Ahead of Launch
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has released emails showing that federal health officials were doubtful that HealthCare.gov would launch properly on Oct. 1 because of staffing issues and a lack of coordination between the site’s contractors and the federal government. Meanwhile, a White House official in a briefing said the site is on track to be functioning properly by the Nov. 30 deadline. New York Times et al.
Problems Plaguing Website for Covered Calif. Enrollment Counselors
Covered California enrollment counselors are reporting glitches on the website they use to help consumers sign up for coverage, including broken links to Spanish-language applications and inaccurate cost estimates and coverage levels. Some counselors have given up trying to use the site. Los Angeles Times.
More Calif. Hospitals Using Robots To Expand Access to Specialists
Hospitals in California and other states increasingly are using telehealth robots to expand access to health care specialists. For example, Dignity Health has installed the machines in emergency departments and intensive care units throughout 20 California hospitals. AP/ABC News.
California Mistakenly Tells 250K Their Provider Might Change
Hundreds of thousands of low-income California residents have received letters from the state incorrectly telling them that they might have to change doctors when they transition to Medi-Cal in 2014. Observers say the letters could undermine efforts to reassure patients amid changes under the Affordable Care Act. McClatchy/Kaiser Health News.
San Francisco Festival Allows Musicians, Artists To Exchange Art for Health Care Services
Last week in San Francisco, musicians and visual artists participated in O+ Festival, a three-day event, performing in exchange for health care services provided by doctors, dentists and health advisers at a pop-up clinic. The festival estimates that nearly $100,000 in health services, art and music were exchanged last month in the event’s Kingston, N.Y., edition. New York Times.
Covered California Delays Scheduled Shutdown by a Week
A scheduled shutdown for Covered California’s enrollment tool will start Nov. 22, instead of Nov. 16. The shutdown — which will last through Nov. 25 — is part of a system upgrade that will add online enrollment pages for the Small Business Health Options Program to the site. Information pages on CoveredCa.com, including cost comparison tools, will remain operational during the shutdown. Sacramento Business Journal.
UC OKs Tentative Contract Agreement With Nurses’ Union
On Saturday, the University of California announced that UC has reached a tentative contract agreement with unionized nurses at its medical and student health facilities. The tentative contract with the California Nurses Association would provide annual 4% pay increases through 2017 for 11,700 UC nurses. In addition, UC would pay the majority of nurses’ health insurance premiums. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.
Columnist: U.S. Residents Should Buy More Comprehensive Health Plans Rather Than Keeping Old Ones
Los Angeles Times opinion columnist Alexandra Le Tellier argues that President Obama’s plan that would allow insurers in 2014 to keep selling insurance policies even if they do not meet minimum coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act is “an effort to placate angry (and shortsighted) Americans.” She writes that such “bare-bones packages” should be canceled because they “undercu[t] a fundamental part of the health care law.” Le Tellier argues, “Instead of complaining about contributing to a program designed to help create an equitable society, people should embrace Obamacare and purchase the more comprehensive plans.” Los Angeles Times.
CBO: Medicaid, Medicare Reforms Could Help Cut Deficit
Increasing the Medicare eligibility age, bundling Medicare provider payments and capping federal Medicaid spending are among a number of strategies for reducing the federal deficit, according to a Congressional Budget Office report released last week. The 316-page report was not solicited by Congress, but is intended to provide lawmakers with options for reducing spending or increasing revenue and inform them of the budgetary implications that would come with each recommendation, according to the agency. Modern Healthcare.
Obama: HealthCare.gov Informs 396K Residents of Medicaid Eligibility
President Obama has announced that 396,000 U.S. residents have learned through HealthCare.gov that they are eligible for Medicaid coverage. Observers say that consumers are visiting the federal exchange intending to purchase private coverage but finding that they qualify for Medicaid, which is known as the “woodwork” or “welcome mat” effect. USA Today, Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules.”