Latest California Healthline Stories
CalPERS Board Gives Final OK to 50% Employer Rate Hike
On Wednesday, the CalPERS Board of Administration gave final approval to an employer rate hike of about 50% that will be phased in over five years. Board members say the change will fully fund CalPERS within 30 years. However, some observers warn that the change will place a greater burden on local governments. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker” et al.
Federal Judges Hear Lawsuit on Conversion Therapy Ban
On Wednesday, a federal appeals court heard arguments over whether a new state law prohibiting sexual orientation conversion treatment for minors violates the free speech rights of counselors who support the practice. The law is on hold pending a court ruling, which is expected in a few months. Several other states are considering implementing similar laws. San Jose Mercury News, Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
State Senator Proposes Tobacco Tax Increase To Fund Health Programs
A bill by state Sen. Kevin de León would increase cigarette taxes by $2 per pack. The estimated $1.2 billion in annual revenue from the tax hike would be used to pay for programs that promote access to care and tobacco-related health services. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Calif. Health Providers Tout Insurer’s Pay-for-Performance Program
Health care providers say that a program by not-for-profit health plan Central California Alliance for Health is a successful pay-for-performance model. The program offers financial incentives based on certain criteria and a comparison of primary care providers. HealthyCal.
House Panel Advances GOP Bill To Extend ACA’s High-Risk Coverage Pools
A House committee has advanced a GOP-sponsored bill that would extend the Affordable Care Act’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan through 2013. The bill marks the first time that Republicans have sought to amend rather than repeal the ACA. The Hill, The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
CalPERS Breaks Up Blue Shield’s Contract, Approves Five HMOs
CalPERS’ Board of Administration voted to award five HMO contracts, one more than recommended by a CalPERS panel. The move breaks up Blue Shield of California’s exclusive CalPERS contract. Sacramento Business Journal, Los Angeles Times.
UCSF, Calif. Medical Group To Partner on Integrated Care
UC-San Francisco Medical Center and the Individual Practice Association Medical Group — a physician-owned multispecialty group in Santa Clara County — are planning to jointly create an integrated health care system in the San Francisco area. The deal is expected to be finalized in June. Meanwhile, Pacific Partners Management Services — the medical group’s parent company — is planning to apply for a state license to form an HMO. Modern Physician.
Baucus: HHS’ Lack of Guidance on ACA Could Lead to ‘Train Wreck’
During a hearing yesterday, Sen. Max Baucus said that HHS has failed to provide the public and small businesses with adequate information about the Affordable Care Act, which could lead to a “train wreck” during the law’s implementation. New York Times‘ “The Caucus” et al.
Scripps Health Named Among Top Health Systems in U.S.
Scripps Health is the only California health system that appears on Truven Health Analytics’ annual list of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. For the list, Truven examined more than 300 health systems using publicly available Medicare data from 2010 and 2011. The top health systems were selected based on their mortality, medical complication and adverse event rates, in addition to their patient satisfaction ratings. U-T San Diego.
Experts Express Mixed Views on Tele-ICU System Benefits
Proponents of using telehealth technology to monitor patients in intensive care units say that leveraging such tele-ICU systems could help reduce costs and improve care. However, some critics of the technology argue that there is little evidence that tele-ICU systems has led to improvements in patient care. New York Times.