Latest California Healthline Stories
CMS Issues Final Rules on Medicaid, Medicare Provider Payment Rates
Yesterday, CMS issued a final rule stemming from the Affordable Care Act that temporarily raises Medicaid payment rates for primary care physicians to match Medicare rates. CMS also issued a final rule setting the 2013 Medicare physician fee schedule. Modern Healthcare et al.
Prop. 37 Supporters Outspent Six to One by Opponents
Supporters of Proposition 37 — an initiative on the California ballot that would require new labels for genetically engineered foods — have been outspent six to one by opponents of the measure. Proponents — which include organic food companies — argue that consumers should know what is in their foods, while food manufacturers and other opponents say the measure is too complicated, and could raise food prices and hurt farmers. California Watch.
Group Appeals Order To Reveal Campaign Donor Information
An Arizona not-for-profit has appealed a judge’s order to disclose the sources of its $11 million donation to a group opposing Proposition 30, blocking access to the information during legal review. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Editorial Slams Arizona Group for Positions on Props. 30, 32
A Ventura County Star editorial questions why an Arizona Group, called Americans for Responsible Leadership, is “trying to influence California’s election.” It notes that the group “poured $11 million into California to fight Proposition 30 and support Proposition 32 in the election next Tuesday.” According to the editorial, “it’s obvious the Arizona group is on the wrong side of both ballot measures.” Ventura County Star.
Analysis Finds Quality of Care at Safety-Net Clinics Varies by Location
A new analysis by Kaiser Health News finds that care quality at safety-net community clinics varies by state. According to the analysis, community clinics in New England generally provide better care than centers in the South and West. Kaiser Health News/McClatchy.
Imaging Self-Referrals Could Raise Costs, Hurt Patients, Report Says
A new Government Accountability Office report finds that physicians with a financial stake in ordering imaging tests issue significantly more referrals for such tests. According to GAO, such practices could waste money and put patients at risk. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Stanislaus County To Submit Proposal To Run Exchange Call Center
Stanislaus County supervisors have voted to submit a proposal to operate one of three call centers for the state’s health insurance exchange. The centers will handle enrollment and eligibility and will communicate with residents via telephone, email or online chats. Modesto Bee.
DOJ Approves Liberty University’s Request To Revisit ACA Challenge
The Department of Justice has told the Supreme Court that it does not oppose the revival of Liberty University’s lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act. Liberty says the law violates its religious rights by indirectly contributing to abortion funding. AP/U-T San Diego, Reuters.
Judge Rules Group Must Disclose Campaign Donor Information
Siding with California’s Fair Political Practices Commission, a judge issued a final ruling that an Arizona not-for-profit must disclose the sources of its $11 million donation to an organization that opposes Proposition 30. Sacramento Bee et al.
Bera Focusing on Women’s Health To Appeal to Voters
With less than a week before the election, Elk Grove Democrat Ami Bera — who is trying to unseat Republican Rep. Dan Lungren in the 7th Congressional District — is focusing on women’s health issues to appeal to voters. Bera invited activist Sandra Fluke to speak with supporters and launched a new television advertisement highlighting Lungren’s positions opposing abortion and access to contraception. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”