Latest California Healthline Stories
Benefits Verification Effort Could Save UC $10M Per Year
Last week, UC officials said the university system could save nearly $10 million annually after faculty, staff and retired employees “voluntarily de-enrolled” nearly 3,000 family members from their health benefits plans. As part of cost-cutting efforts, UC hired an external firm to verify that only eligible family members are covered under current and retired employees’ plans. San Francisco Business Times.
Many U.S. Consumers Confused About Health Care Cost Information
Although U.S. consumers are starting to take on a larger share of their medical costs, many of them are unaware of how health care providers bill for services. Experts say that medical pricing and cost comparison data often are not easily accessible for consumers. New York Times.
Boehner Urges GOP To Avoid Celebrating if Reform Law Overturned
Yesterday, House Speaker John Boehner told House Republicans that there “will be no spiking of the ball” if the U.S. Supreme Court rules against the health reform law. Boehner said the GOP will work to repeal any parts of the law that are upheld. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
New Budget Agreement Includes Cuts to Children’s Health Care
Yesterday, Gov. Brown and Democratic legislators reached an agreement on a fiscal year 2012-2013 spending plan. Under the new budget agreement, about 880,000 children will be shifted from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal. Sacramento Bee et al.
State Treasurer To Vote for Brown’s Compromise Tax Plan
On Thursday, California Treasurer Bill Lockyer said that in November he will vote in favor of the compromise tax hike plan that Gov. Brown developed with supporters of the “Millionaires Tax.” He noted that the plan’s failure to pass would cause spending reductions that would be damaging to the state. Sacramento Bee.
Court Insiders Predict Ruling Against Insurance Mandate
Most U.S. Supreme Court experts who responded to a recent American Action Forum survey believe it is more likely that the high court will strike down the federal health reform law’s individual mandate. On average, respondents predicted a 57% chance that a majority of the justices will find the mandate unconstitutional. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” NPR’s “The Two-Way.”
Santa Cruz Officials Agree To Outsource Inmate Care
On Wednesday, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to approve a proposal to outsource health care services for county inmates to Monterey-based California Forensic Medical Group. The plan is projected to save as much as $1.5 million. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Group Gives $3.95M in Health Care Grants in L.A. County
The California Community Foundation has awarded $3.95 million in health care grants to recipients throughout Los Angeles County. Centinela Valley Medical and Community Funds has received $2.62 million to expand health care access, care coordination and patient navigation services. In addition, $863,500 has been allocated to more than a dozen health clinics in the area. Payers & Providers.
More Than 360K Californians Insured Under State Program
More than 360,000 California residents now are receiving coverage under “The Bridge to Reform” program, which aims to implement the federal health reform law’s Medicaid expansion ahead of schedule. State Department of Health Care Services spokesperson Norman Williams said that even if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the reform law, the Bridge to Reform program still has helped improve health care infrastructure at the local level. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Federal Officials To Use Health IT Tools To Help Fight Rx Drug Misuse
Yesterday, the Obama administration announced a new initiative designed to reduce prescription drug misuse by making it easier for clinicians and pharmacists to access patients’ prescription drug data. The initiative will involve pilot projects in Indiana and Ohio. Reuters et al.