Latest California Healthline Stories
Michigan, Department of Justice Drop Lawsuit Against BCBS of Mich.
The Department of Justice and the state of Michigan have discontinued their antitrust lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. DOJ said that a new state law banning a controversial contracting practice makes the suit unnecessary. Modern Healthcare, Wall Street Journal.
Gold Coast Health Plan OKs Consulting Contract Extension
On Monday, the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission voted 5-3 to approve a 90-day contract extension for an executive services firm to help Gold Coast Health Plan — an HMO-style alternative for certain Medi-Cal beneficiaries — address financial and staffing issues. Some commissioners raised concern about the cost of the contract extension. Ventura County Star.
Independent Clinics Seek Alliances With Private Insurers Ahead of ACA
Independent health clinics in California want to collaborate with private insurers in anticipation of a coverage expansion under the Affordable Care Act. For example, clinics operated by Women’s Health Specialists are seeking to become subcontractors in managed care networks. HealthyCal.
VA: Claims Backlog Will Be Resolved by End of 2015
During a CNN interview on Sunday, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki said VA is committed to ending the growing backlog of veterans’ disability claims by the end of 2015. He said VA is deploying a new automation tool, called the Veterans Benefits Management System, to help the process. Washington Post‘s “Post Politics” et al.
New Murrieta Nursing Home Unit Fills Post-Acute Care Gap
Murrieta officials say the addition of a new 46-bed unit at County Villa Murrieta, a skilled nursing facility, has helped address a shortage of medical services and post-acute care in the area. Facility officials said a goal of the new post-acute care unit is to boost pain management and recovery for patients who have had procedures in local surgery centers. U-T San Diego.
CalPERS Board Gives Tentative OK To 50% Employer Rate Increase
CalPERS tentatively has approved a nearly 50% employer rate increase to help reach full funding levels in 30 years. Officials say that the rate hike would be phased in over five years, beginning in fiscal year 2014-2015 for state and school employers and in FY 2015-2016 for local governments. Capitol Weekly.
9/11 Health Program To Soon Expand to Va., Pa. Responders
Within the next few months, responders to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in northern Virginia and Shanksville, Pa., will be able to enroll for coverage under the World Trade Center Health Program. The Office of Management and Budget recently completed a long-awaited review of eligibility requirements for the program, which already provides New York City responders with funds for medical screenings and care for specific symptoms and illnesses related to the attacks. The Hill‘s “RegWatch.”
Survey: Firms Step Up Incentives, Penalties for Health Behaviors
In an effort to lower costs, more employers are offering incentives to encourage workers to make healthy lifestyle choices, and many firms plan to start penalizing employees who make unhealthy choices, according to a survey. New York Times, Washington Post.
Ventura County To Target Medicare Readmissions
On May 1, the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the Camarillo Health Care District will launch a program aimed at reducing hospital readmission rates among the county’s Medicare beneficiaries. The program is being funded by a two-year, $4.1 million CMS grant under the Affordable Care Act. Ventura County Star.
4,500 Sign Up for Murrieta’s Annual Paramedic Fee Plan
About 4,500 Murrieta households and businesses have subscribed to the city fire department’s voluntary paramedic fee, which allows them to receive paramedic services — such as ambulance and emergency care and response services — for one year at a fixed rate of $24 or $48, based on income, rather than being sent a $350 bill for paramedic services. The fee was instituted as a way to keep the department well-funded. Riverside Press-Enterprise.