Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial Urges More Reforms To Resolve ‘Pension Crisis’
A Sacramento Bee editorial argues that Gov. Brown and lawmakers have not “solved the state’s pension crisis with last year’s modest reforms,” adding that more pension reform “is essential” to “protect government workers, the public and taxpayers.” According to the editorial, “[o]ne sensible reform … would allow current workers to keep the retirement benefits they have already earned but reduce future benefits to a lower and more affordable rate.” Sacramento Bee.
ACA To Expand Addiction Treatment for Californians
The number of Californians with drug and alcohol addictions who would qualify for substance misuse treatment coverage through Medi-Cal is projected to increase by about 146,000 when the program expands under the Affordable Care Act next year, according to California Department of Health Care Services data. However, recent funding cuts could make it difficult for health care providers to treat the influx of new patients. AP/Stockton Record.
Doctors Tout Package of Bills To Curb State Physician Shortage
The California Medical Association has unveiled a series of bills that would address the statewide doctor shortage by expanding a medical school loan repayment program, among other actions. Sacramento Business Journal, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Study: Hospitals Often Collect Higher Payments for Surgical Mistakes
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that hospitals have little incentive to reduce surgical errors because health insurers pay them for the longer stays and extra care needed to treat surgical complications. New York Times et al.
S.D. Health Systems: Block Skilled Nursing Medi-Cal Cut
San Diego County-based Palomar Health and Sharp Healthcare have announced their support for a bill that would stop a retroactive cut to Medi-Cal reimbursements for hospital-based skilled nursing services. Sharp and Palomar are the only two health systems in the county that operate skilled nursing homes. U-T San Diego.
Brown Says Calif. Might Release 10,000 Inmates Under Population Cap
Gov. Brown says that state officials will prepare to release up to 10,000 inmates if they are forced to obey court-ordered prison population caps. California was ordered to reduce its prison population to help improve inmates’ medical and mental health care services. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Supreme Court Justices Signal Skepticism Over Gene Patents
During oral arguments in a gene patent case on Monday, several U.S. Supreme Court justices signaled that they were skeptical of the argument that human genes should be patented like a scientific invention but wary of issuing a broad decision on the issue. Some of the justices seemed to favor a plan that would revoke patents for isolated genes but maintain patent protection for manipulated genes or for particular uses of genes. A decision is expected in June. New York Times et al.
CalPERS Committee Votes To Award Three New HMO Contracts
A CalPERS panel has voted to break up Blue Shield of California’s statewide HMO contract by awarding new contracts to three other insurers. Blue Shield argues that contracting with multiple health plans might not reduce health costs. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Business Journal.
GOP Bill Would Extend ACA’s Temporary High-Risk Insurance Program
House Republicans are fast-tracking a bill that would extend funding for the Affordable Care Act’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan through the end of 2013. Money from the ACA’s public health fund would help pay for the changes. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” CQ Roll Call.
Legislature To Consider Bill To Encourage Team-Based Care
This week, state lawmakers will consider a bill that seeks to encourage health care providers to work in teams and define a “patient-centered medical home.” Physician groups and other supporters say the measure would increase focus on prevention and cost-efficiency, rather than on fragmented care. However, opponents argue that the measure could threaten health data privacy and ease minors’ access to abortion and contraception. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”