Latest California Healthline Stories
Poll: California Voters Want ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Compromise
Three in five California voters want congressional lawmakers to “compromise with the opposite party, even if that means giving up some long-held positions” to avoid the looming “fiscal cliff” of mandated spending cuts, which include Medicare payment reductions, according to a new Los Angeles Times/USC Dornsife poll. Respondents objected to any cuts to entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security, but they were more open to some tax hikes. Los Angeles Times.
HHS Gives States More Time To Decide on Insurance Exchanges
Yesterday, the Obama administration announced that states will have four more weeks — until Dec. 14 — to declare if they will run their own health insurance exchanges. The move came one day after GOP governors sent a letter urging a deadline extension. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
State Supreme Court Allows Patients To Sue Nursing Home Owner
The state Supreme Court has ruled that patients can sue nursing home owner Covenant Care over allegations that it has violated state nurse-staffing standards. The ruling says state law allows patients to bring legal action against “violations of their rights.” San Francisco Chronicle.
Senate Democrats, Obama Take Positions on Entitlements, Tax Code
Senate Democratic leaders say they will not consider reforming entitlement programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, as part of negotiations to avoid mandated spending cuts. President Obama says he is open to compromising on the tax code. Wall Street Journal et al.
New Poverty Measure Finds That California Has Highest Rate in U.S.
The Census Bureau’s new Supplemental Poverty Measure finds that California’s poverty rate is 23.5%, the highest in the U.S. The rate is an increase from 16.3% under the traditional system for measuring poverty. AP/KPCC’s “KPCC News,” Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Union, Grocery Chain Reach Tentative Agreement
On Tuesday, employees of the West Sacramento-based Raley’s grocery chain concluded a 10-day strike over health benefits and other issues after the chain reached a tentative contract agreement with the United Food and Commercial Workers. According to the agreement, the chain will not pursue a proposal to overhaul its health plan and eliminate health benefits for retired workers who qualify for Medicare. San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee.
Employers’ Health Care Costs Rise by Smallest Amount in 15 Years
A survey by Mercer finds that U.S. employers’ health care costs rose by 4.1% in 2012, the smallest increase in 15 years. Mercer attributed the trend in part to more companies shifting to high-deductible health plans and offering wellness programs. Columbus Business First et al.
Medicare, Medicaid Changes Possible in Fiscal Deal
Although labor unions and other groups on Tuesday lobbied against any deal to avoid the looming “fiscal cliff” of mandated spending cuts that includes Medicare payment reductions, experts say changes in entitlements likely would be part of any grand bargain. Democrats and President Obama have suggested they would be open to negotiating on Medicare, Medicaid and other entitlements if Republicans would make concessions on taxes. Kaiser Health News.
Exchange Board Clears Operational Blueprint, Grant Application
The California Health Benefit Exchange board has approved an operational blueprint, which Gov. Brown plans to send to federal officials on Friday. The board also approved an application for more than $700 million in federal grants. AP/U-T San Diego, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Pelosi To Continue Serving as House Democratic Leader
On Wednesday, Rep. Nancy Pelosi announced that she intends to remain the House minority leader. Pelosi, who in 2007 became the first Californian to serve as speaker of the House, helped preside over the passage of the Affordable Care Act. She transitioned from speaker to minority leader after Democrats lost control of the House in 2010. Los Angeles Times‘ “Politics Now.”