Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial: Californians Should ‘Celebrate’ Court Ruling
A Los Angeles Times editorial states that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the federal health reform law is an outcome “that Americans in general, and Californians in particular, should celebrate.” It continues, “Far from being a government takeover of health care, as its critics claim, the measure seeks to improve the current system while leaving private insurers, doctors and hospitals largely intact.” Los Angeles Times.
Future of Job-Based Coverage Still Uncertain After Reform Law Ruling
Although last week’s Supreme Court decision removed some uncertainty about the health reform law, many businesses still are unsure whether it would be more cost effective to offer job-based coverage or absorb financial penalties for not doing so. Los Angeles Times et al.
San Pablo Nursing Home Sued Over Patient Conditions
On Monday, five individuals filed a lawsuit against Creekside Health Care Center in San Pablo and its parent corporation, Mariner Health Care, alleging that residents at the nursing home are subject to poor care because of inadequate staffing levels. Attorney Kathryn Stebner said, “The reason for the lawsuit is to try to bring about change at this facility in a systematic way.” Creekside did not return calls for comment. Contra Costa Times.
Brown Uses Line-Item Vetoes To Cut $195.7M From State Budget Plan
Before approving the new state budget, Gov. Brown used line-item vetoes to cut $195.7 million from the spending plan. Brown’s finance director said the governor made the cuts to secure a larger state budget reserve. Los Angeles Times, Capitol Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Sen. Paul Proposes Bill To Replace Medicare SGR
On Monday, Sen. Rand Paul proposed a bill that would replace the sustainable growth rate used to calculate payments for Medicare physicians with an annual cost-of-living adjustment. The bill would eliminate the need for Congress to pass periodic “doc-fix” legislation to delay cuts to reimbursement rates under SGR. Paul’s legislation would cap annual increases at 3%. The Hill‘s “Floor Action Blog.”
Insurance Rate Approval Measure Fails To Qualify for Ballot, Author Says
The author of an initiative that would have given the state insurance commissioner authority to approve or reject health insurance rate hikes says it does not have enough valid signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Lawsuit Filed To Block Brown’s Tax Measure From Ballot Top
On Thursday, attorney Molly Munger filed a lawsuit to block a new state law from taking effect that would put a comprise tax hike initiative by Gov. Brown ahead of her own tax hike proposal on the November ballot. The lawsuit argues that Munger’s proposal should have higher placement on the ballot because she submitted signatures ahead of Brown. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Pharmacies Help Patients Adhere to Rx Drug Plans
Some pharmacies are becoming more proactive in their efforts to improve patients’ adherence to prescription drug plans. Large pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreen are implementing initiatives such as training their pharmacists in counseling, connecting directly with customers who do not fill prescriptions and making it easier for customers to learn about their conditions. Pharmacists can increase their reimbursements for formal consultation services by helping patients adhere to medication plans. Wall Street Journal‘s “Health Blog.”
Officials: California To Continue Reform Efforts Following Ruling
State officials are continuing to implement the health reform law after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold it. They plan to move forward with efforts to expand Medi-Cal and launch a health insurance exchange. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert” et al.
Accenture Wins Contract To Build Insurance Exchange
On Wednesday, Accenture announced that it has won a $359 million contract to implement California’s health insurance exchange, called the California Healthcare Enrollment, Eligibility and Retention System. The company will receive $183 million for initial system development and implementation tasks and $176 million for continued development and operation costs. CGI and Oracle will serve as subcontractors in building the health insurance exchange. ExecutiveBiz.