Latest California Healthline Stories
VA Pilot Project Offering Care to Calif. Veterans Has Not Expanded
A Department of Veterans Affairs pilot project launched at various U.S. colleges — including the City College of San Francisco — has not expanded, even though it has been touted as a national model to boost veterans’ health care services. Kai Chitaphong — national director of the initiative — said he is unsure how long it will take for the program to gather the data needed for widespread implementation. Center for Investigative Reporting.
Number of Physicians Opting Out of Medicare Nearly Tripled
Since 2009, the number of physicians who opted out of Medicare has nearly tripled, according to CMS. In 2012, 9,539 physicians who previously had accepted Medicare opted out of the program, compared with 3,700 who opted out in 2009. Physicians cite low reimbursement rates and concerns about patient privacy as some reasons for opting out of the program. Wall Street Journal.
Criticism Mounts Over Kaiser’s Premium Rate Hikes in California
California officials and employers are criticizing recent premium rate hikes by Kaiser Permanente. Kaiser officials say that their rates often are 10% lower than competing plans and that they provide employers with adequate details on medical cost data. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Sutter Engaged in Unfair Labor Practices, Court Rules
Last week, a National Labor Relations Board judge ruled that Sutter Health East Bay Region engaged in unfair labor practices — such as eliminating paid health care coverage for part-time registered nurses and cutting paid sick leave — during contract discussions with the California Nurses Association, which was representing Sutter Delta Medical Center registered nurses. Under the ruling, Sutter must “rescind any unilateral changes it has implemented” and “make whole” employees for any losses plus interest. Sutter has 21 days from the court order to comply. A Sutter Delta spokesperson said the organization will fight the ruling. Contra Costa Times, Sacramento Bee.
Nurses Protest Appointment of Kaiser CEO to First 5
At a First 5 California commission meeting in Sacramento last week, California Nurses Association/National Nurses United members protested the appointment of Kaiser Permanente CEO George Halvorson to the group, which administers funds for early childhood health and education programs. The protesters — which included registered nurses from Kaiser Permanente — highlighted Kaiser’s decision to close a pediatrics unit in Hayward and move patients to a new medical center in Oakland. First 5 Executive Director Camille Maben said the protest did not “have anything to do with the commission or our business.” Sacramento Business Journal.
CHA Ballot Measure Would Block Diversion of Medi-Cal Funding
The California Hospital Association has filed a proposed ballot initiative that would ensure hospital funding meant to pay for the care of Medi-Cal beneficiaries is not diverted for other purposes. Proponents must gather 800,000 signatures to qualify the measure for the November 2014 ballot. Sacramento Business Journal.
Bill Seeks Fraud-Detection System for Exchange Subsidies
Last week, Rep. Diane Black introduced a bill that would require the federal government to establish a new fraud-detection system for subsidy applicants in the Affordable Care Act’s state-run insurance exchanges. Black said she disapproves of a final rule permitting exchanges to accept an applicant’s word when it comes to questions about their income. The Hill‘s “RegWatch.”
Budgets, Deadlines Forcing Some States To Delay, Scale Back Health Insurance Exchange Technology
Facing tight deadlines and budgets, some states have been forced to delay or scale back the tools that would make it easier for consumers to purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges on Oct. 1. Experts note that technology to facilitate online shopping for health plans is complex, difficult to create and costly. AP/Boston Globe.
Data Show Low HPV Vaccine Rates in L.A. Area
Only about 29% of girls ages 13 to 17 in South Los Angeles and about 45% of girls in Los Angeles County have had at least one dose of the three-dose vaccination against human papillomavirus, which can cause genital warts and some cancers, county health data show. Meanwhile, about 54% of girls nationwide have gotten at least one vaccine dose, according to new CDC data. KPCC’s “On Central,” AP/Sacramento Bee.
Federally Run Insurance Exchanges Likely To See Lower Premiums
Analysts say premiums for individual-market health plans offered through the federally run health insurance exchanges likely will be lower than comparable, currently available plans. A recent HHS report found that premiums for individual health plans in state-run insurance exchanges also will be lower than expected. Modern Healthcare.