Latest California Healthline Stories
Not-for-Profit Reveals Groups Behind $11M Campaign Donation
Americans for Responsible Leadership has disclosed that Americans for Job Security and the Center to Protect Patient Rights are behind an $11 million donation to an organization opposing Proposition 30. State officials are accusing ARL of money laundering. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert” et al.
Study: Physicians With Less Experience Provide More Expensive Care
A Health Affairs study finds that less-experienced physicians provide higher-cost care than their more experienced colleagues. Researchers say new doctors might be more familiar with costly treatments and might serve more complex patients. Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules” et al.
Romney Win Could Significantly Change Health Reform in Calif.
The outcome of today’s presidential election could have significant health reform implications in California. Some say that if GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney is elected and successfully dismantles the Affordable Care Act, certain California residents might lose insurance. Kaiser Health News.
AHA, Health Systems Sue HHS Over Medicare Payments
On Thursday, the American Hospital Association and four health systems filed a lawsuit in federal court against HHS for denying hospitals Medicare payments for audited outpatient procedures. According to the lawsuit, CMS refuses to make the payments in cases where auditors retroactively determine that an inpatient service should have been performed outside the hospital. The suit asks the court to override the non-payment policy and reimburse hospitals that have been denied payment in past years. Modern Healthcare, AHA release.
Cities’ Clashes With CalPERS Could Have Statewide Effects
Ongoing disputes between CalPERS and two financially troubled cities — Compton and San Bernardino — could have consequences for other California cities and their creditors, according to a new report from credit rating firm Moody’s. If the cities successfully delay their CalPERS payments, it “could incentivize other financially distressed cities to seek concessions from all creditors,” the report states. Los Angeles Times.
Some Employers Might Reduce Workers’ Hours To Avoid ACA Penalties
Some businesses might hire more part-time workers or limit workers’ hours to avoid the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that large employers provide health coverage for full-time employees or pay a penalty. Wall Street Journal, Houston Business Journal‘s “Houston BizBlog.”
California Health Care Personnel News Update for October 2012
The California Medical Association has elected Paul Phinney, a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician working in the Sacramento area, as its new president. Meanwhile, CalOptima, Orange County’s Medi-Cal managed care plan, has named Michael Ewing as its new CFO.
L.A. School District Nabs $2.4M Grant for Trauma Care
A coalition led by the Los Angeles Unified School District’s mental health department has received a $2.4 million grant to advance its efforts to provide care to students who have been exposed to traumatic events. The coalition includes UCLA, USC, the Rand Corporation and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Los Angeles Times.
LIHP in Sacramento County To Cover Only Poorest Residents
Sacramento County this month plans to launch the Low Income Health Program, an initiative that aims to expand coverage ahead of the federal health law. The program will serve childless adults with annual incomes of less than $7,500. Kaiser Health News/Capital Public Radio/NPR.
California Supreme Court Orders Not-for-Profit To Reveal Donors
The state Supreme Court has ordered an Arizona not-for-profit to disclose sources of donations to a group opposing Proposition 30. The not-for-profit says it will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert” et al.