Latest California Healthline Stories
Committee OKs Bill To Expand Early-Term Abortion Access
On Tuesday, the Assembly Business and Professions Committee voted 8-4 along party lines to approve a bill that would allow nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants who undergo training to conduct an early-term abortion procedure. Proponents of the measure say it would ensure women have early and safe access to abortion providers, while critics have raised concerns about safety, training and expanding access to abortion. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Details Emerge About Health Provisions of Obama’s Budget Plan
More details are emerging about the $3.77 trillion budget proposal that President Obama released yesterday. Obama’s blueprint seeks increased funding for CMS and the Internal Revenue Service to help the agencies implement parts of the Affordable Care Act. New York Times et al.
Calif. Doctor Awarded $3.8M in Anthem Blue Cross Case
On Monday, a Los Angeles jury awarded $3.8 million in compensatory damages to a Porter Ranch physician who alleged that Anthem Blue Cross barred him from its network in 2010 because he challenged the denial of hundreds of patient claims. Anthem said it rejected the physician’s application for its PPO network because the doctor was not board certified in family medicine and the health plan already had enough primary care physicians. Anthem spokesperson Darrel Ng said the insurer is considering an appeal. Los Angeles Times.
Senate Panel Likely To OK Tavenner as Head of CMS
Following a confirmation hearing on Tuesday, acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner appeared to be on track to win approval from the Senate Finance Committee, encountering little opposition from lawmakers. The committee likely will vote on Tavenner’s nomination next week. If she is confirmed by the full Senate, Tavenner would be the first permanent CMS administrator since 2006. Reuters et al.
Online Consumer Reviews Could Affect Health Providers
Consumers’ online reviews and ratings could have important implications for health care providers, according to a report from PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute. Researchers found that 48% of U.S. consumers have consulted a health care-related review through Yelp, Facebook or another source. The report noted that patient satisfaction scores already are financially affecting health care organizations through initiatives like CMS’ value-based purchasing program. Becker’s Hospital Review, PwC release.
Leaders Push To Exempt Skilled Nursing From 10% Medi-Cal Cut
Yesterday, lawmakers, hospitals and labor unions held a rally to stump for a bill that would exempt hospital-based skilled nursing facilities from a retroactive 10% cut to Medi-Cal reimbursements. Sacramento Business Journal, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
CalPERS Mulls Breaking Up Blue Shield of Calif.’s Statewide HMO Contract
CalPERS’ staff has recommended replacing Blue Shield of California’s exclusive statewide HMO contract with up to four health plans. CalPERS’ board will consider the recommendation next week and evaluate the seven health plans that have submitted bids. Los Angeles Times.
Most Employers Plan To Continue Offering Health Coverage, Survey Finds
In a survey, nearly 70% of employers said they plan to keep offering health coverage to workers, a 23% increase from 2012. A separate study finds that higher premiums for job-based health coverage led to a decline in U.S. workers with such plans. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Editorial: State Should Not Appeal Prison Health Ruling
A Sacramento Bee editorial argues that the state should not appeal a decision by U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton to reject Gov. Brown’s request to end federal oversight of California’s prison health care system. According to the editorial, Brown should “stop spending taxpayer funds on fruitless appeals” that “will not pass constitutional muster.” Sacramento Bee.
Opinion: Calif.’s ACA Decisions Could Influence Other States
In a Sacramento Bee opinion piece, Micah Weinberg — a senior fellow at the Bay Area Council Economic Institute — argues that due to California’s “size and rapid action on [health] reform, the decisions that California makes will help influence the entire nation’s course.” He adds, “One of the biggest questions is whether the result of the Affordable Care Act will be more public or private coverage.” Sacramento Bee.