Latest California Healthline Stories
CalPERS OKs Long-Term Care Rate Hike, Creation of Alternative Program
Yesterday, CalPERS’ Board of Administration unanimously voted to raise premiums by 85% for certain long-term care enrollees. The board also approved the creation of a cheaper, less comprehensive long-term care program. Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento Bee.
Gold Coast, Ventura County Clinics Reach Medi-Cal Deal
This week, Gold Coast Health Plan reached an agreement with Clinicas del Camino Real that gives the clinic network greater oversight of its 14,000 patients with Medi-Cal coverage. Under the agreement, Clinicas will receive higher Medi-Cal payments in return for taking on more responsibilities and a greater share of the financial risks. Ventura County Star.
State Outlines Plans for Shifting Kids Out of Healthy Families
State officials have detailed their plan to move about 863,000 children from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal in four phases, starting in January 2013. Some children’s advocates are calling for a delay in the transition. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
Shift To Medi-Cal Could Affect Santa Cruz Kids’ Dental Care
When California transitions 6,791 Santa Cruz County children from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal, access to dental care could be affected. Those children will be covered by Denti-Cal, which has one of the lowest Medicaid reimbursement rates in the U.S., and many dentists do not accept such beneficiaries. HealthyCal.
CVS Unit To Pay $5.25M To Settle False Data Allegations
On Monday, the Department of Justice announced that it reached a $5.25 million settlement with CVS Caremark subsidiary RxAmerica to resolve allegations that the company submitted false generic prescription drug pricing data to Medicare between 2007 and 2008. DOJ officials said that in many cases, the actual costs for the drugs were higher than those that RxAmerica submitted. AP/Modern Healthcare.
Prop. 37 Battle Could Have Nationwide Implications
Proponents of Proposition 37 — a November ballot initiative that would require new labels for genetically engineered foods — have raised nearly $5 million, compared with opponents who have raised more than $34 million. Contributions have come from stakeholders nationwide, which might indicate that the outcome of the vote could affect food manufacturers and consumers across the U.S. Capitol Public Radio‘s “KXJZ News.”
Second Presidential Debate Focuses Little on Health Care Policy Issues
Although health care was not a main focus of last night’s presidential debate, President Obama used the forum to criticize Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney on his plan to overhaul Medicare, while Romney blasted Obama for failing to propose his own Medicare reform plan. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Report: Insurer M&A Activity Totals $13.4B So Far This Year
So far this year, merger and acquisition deals among U.S. health insurers in the managed care sector have reached a combined value of $13.4 billion, the highest recorded total since 2007, according to a report by SNL Financial. The report attributes the high number of consolidations to insurers looking to expand their Medicaid enrollment following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act. Crain’s Business Insurance/Modern Healthcare.
Calif. Pharmacy Board Opens Probe Into Claims Against CVS Caremark
The California Board of Pharmacy has opened a probe into allegations that CVS Caremark failed to obtain patient consent before refilling prescriptions and submitting insurance claims. HHS’ Office of Inspector General also is investigating the claims. Los Angeles Times.
Sacramento HMO Seeks To Expand in North Bay Counties
Western Health Advantage, the Sacramento-based not-for-profit HMO, is awaiting approval from the California Department of Managed Health Care to establish a provider and hospital network in Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties. If approved, the firm will begin offering health plans to employers, families and individuals on Jan. 1, 2013. Sacramento Bee.