Latest California Healthline Stories
Calif. Leads States in Doctor Job Placement, Report Finds
In 2011, more health care providers accepted jobs in California than in any other state, according to a report by the Medical Group Management Association. More than 300 survey respondents reported finding jobs in California, followed by Pennsylvania with 292 placements and Texas with 267 placements. Modern Healthcare.
CMS, Sebelius Tout Medicare Benefits in Health Reform Law
During the first five months of 2012, 14.3 million Medicare beneficiaries took advantage of a federal health reform law provision that ensures access to preventive health care services without a copayment or deductible, according to a recent announcement by CMS. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently promoted the law’s role in strengthening Medicare and criticized GOP proposals that would privatize the program. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Calif.’s Largest Medical Malpractice Insurer Agrees to 10% Rate Cut
State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has announced that medical malpractice insurer The Doctor’s Company has agreed to reduce overall rates by 10%. Jones says that the reduction will save medical providers $21 million annually. Sacramento Business Journal.
S.J. County Valley Fever Cases Rising, Officials Warn
San Joaquin County public health officials are working to raise public awareness about Valley fever, which has seen a nearly fivefold increase in two years. County Health Officer Karen Furst said that “[I]t is important to understand the cause and symptoms of the disease and steps that can be taken to decrease the risk of getting infected.” Stockton Record.
Assembly Democrats Release FY 2012-2013 Budget Proposal
Democrats in the state Assembly have unveiled a fiscal year 2012-2013 budget proposal that rejects certain cuts that Gov. Brown proposed to In-Home Supportive Services and CalWORKs. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert” et al.
State Officials Inspecting Proposed Small Business Insurance Rate Hikes
Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California’s proposed rate hikes for small businesses are drawing scrutiny from state regulators. Department of Insurance officials are meeting with the insurers about whether the increases are excessive. Los Angeles Times.
Mt. Diablo Health District’s New Plan Will Cause Delays
Recently, the Mt. Diablo Health Care District Board rejected a reorganization plan that would turn over to the city management of the district’s annual property tax revenues and oversight of a 1996 operating agreement with John Muir Health. Instead, the board voted 3-0 to submit another plan that would extend the reorganization process and could trigger a potentially unnecessary election. Contra Costa Times.
Columnist Mulls Low Support for Gov. Brown, Tax Hike Plan
Columnist Dan Walters notes that a new Field Poll finds that just 52% of voters back a compromise tax hike plan developed by Gov. Brown and supporters of the “Millionaires Tax,” short of “the 60% mark that political strategists generally believe a tax increase must have before the campaign begins.” He concludes, “With Brown’s approval rating now well under 50% and the shaky support for his tax measure, it could evolve into a referendum on his governorship — and it might not take much to sink his tax hike.” Sacramento Bee.
Aetna, Humana Pledge To Maintain Certain Reform Law Provisions
Yesterday, Aetna and Humana said they would keep following certain provisions of the health reform law regardless of how the Supreme Court rules on the overhaul. The announcements came shortly after UnitedHealth Group issued a similar pledge. AP/Sacramento Bee et al.
Calif. Assembly Approves Bill Requiring Infant Screenings
Recently, the California Assembly voted 60-12 to approve a bill — by Assembly member Marty Block — that would require hospitals to begin conducting low-cost screenings of newborns for congenital heart diseases. The measure would take effect on July 1, 2013, and all hospitals would have to be in compliance by Jan. 1, 2016. The bill awaits Senate action. U-T San Diego.