Latest California Healthline Stories
DMHC Actions Against Insurers Have Dropped Significantly Since 2011
Fines and enforcement actions against health insurers by the Department of Managed Health Care have decreased significantly since 2011, when Gov. Brown appointed Brent Barnhart to lead DMHC, according to an analysis. The agency defended its use of enforcement actions and fines. Payers & Providers.
More Men Becoming Nurses, Census Bureau Reports
Over the past three decades, more men have entered the nursing profession, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released Monday. According to the Census Bureau, the proportion of male registered nurses increased from 2.7% in 1970 to 9.6% in 2011. The report also found that in 2011, male RNs on average earned $60,700 annually, compared with $51,000 among female RNs. USA Today.
Opinion: ACA an ‘Important Opportunity’ for State, U.S.
In a Capitol Weekly opinion piece, Wendy Lazarus — founder and co-president of The Children’s Partnership in California — notes that in “308 days, health coverage through the Affordable Care Act begins for tens of millions of Americans, millions in California alone.” She concludes, “We’ve never had a more important opportunity to reform health care in this country,” adding, “Working together, we’ve got to get it right — and now. We won’t get a second chance.” Capitol Weekly.
Measure Would Ban Smoking in Multi-Family Housing
Assembly member Marc Levine has introduced a bill that would prohibit smoking and tobacco use in multi-family housing arrangements, like condominiums, duplexes and apartment units, with the goal of eliminating exposure to harmful secondhand smoke. The bill is believed to be first of its kind nationally to ban smoking in certain private homes. Sacramento Bee.
DOI Plans Regulations To Boost Autism Behavioral Therapy Law
The state Department of Insurance plans to offer proposed rules for enforcing a law requiring that insurers cover behavioral therapy for autism, after receiving formal complaints that insurers have been delaying or denying the coverage. Los Angeles Times.
Cuts to Health Programs, Other Areas Expected To Take Effect Tomorrow
If the sequester takes effect as expected Friday, HHS will send notifications about its $15.5 million reduction in overall spending to agencies and organizations that rely on federal funds. Negotiations to offset or replace the spending cuts likely will continue for several months. The Hill et al.
Policyholders Say That CalPERS Misled Them on Long-Term Care Rates
CalPERS’ long-term care policyholders are criticizing a new premium increase, saying they were promised when purchasing the plans that rates would not increase. However, marketing materials noted that rates could be changed through actions by the CalPERS Board. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
Doctors’ Medicaid Pay Bump Not Enacted in Any State
A temporary increase to Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care providers included in the Affordable Care Act has not been implemented in any state, despite it taking effect nearly eight weeks ago, according to provider groups following the issue. Observers say that CMS appears to be responsible for some of the delays since several states have submitted applications. Modern Healthcare.
CMS: Affordable Care Act Contributing to Decline in Hospital Readmissions
New CMS figures show that the rate of hospital readmissions for Medicare beneficiaries declined in 2012. CMS officials attributed the decline to Affordable Care Act provisions that impose penalties for high readmission rates and fund efforts to curb readmissions. Washington Post.
Report: ACA’s Effect on Deficit Depends on Fate of Cost-Cutting Measures
A Government Accountability Office report finds that the Affordable Care Act’s effect on the deficit over the next 75 years largely depends on preservation of cost-saving measures, including the Independent Payment Advisory Board. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” CQ Roll Call.