Latest California Healthline Stories
Obama Seeks To Clarify Remarks on High Court’s Health Reform Law Case
Yesterday, President Obama attempted to clarify his previous remarks that it would be “unprecedented” for the Supreme Court to strike down the federal health reform law. Obama said he believes the justices “take their responsibilities very seriously.” The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Northern Calif. Counties Ranked Highest for Overall Health
A new report ranking U.S. counties by overall health found that the healthiest California counties are located in the northern part of the state. Counties with the best overall health included Marin, Santa Clara and San Benito. U-T San Diego et al.
Calif. To Announce Counties Heading Managed Care Pilot
On Wednesday, California officials will announce the four counties that will pilot a managed care program for residents eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. The program is designed to streamline care and save $1 billion in fiscal year 2013-2014 by reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency department visits and nursing home stays. Ten California counties — including Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara — are seeking to be among the four selected to run the program. Oakland Tribune/Contra Costa Times.
Medi-Cal Officials Assess Gold Coast Health Plan’s Assignment Procedures
Ventura County Medi-Cal officials are examining procedures that assign beneficiaries covered by Gold Coast Health Plan to certain health care providers. According to an audit, the procedures appear to favor the Ventura County Health Care Agency’s clinic system. Ventura County Star.
State, Anthem Remain at Odds Over Claims Processing
The state Department of Managed Health Care continues to press Anthem Blue Cross to audit and reprocess all late claims dating back to July 2007. DMHC’s latest order calls for Anthem to provide a new corrective plan and training for claims processors, as well as to conduct an audit of procedures that identify delayed claims and prove that interest and penalties have been paid. Payers & Providers.
President To Criticize Ryan’s GOP Budget Plan as ‘Social Darwinism’
According to the White House, President Obama in a speech today is expected to say that Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget proposal is “nothing but thinly-veiled social Darwinism.” Ryan’s plan would repeal the health reform law and alter Medicare and Medicaid. Washington Post‘s “44” et al.
Opinion: Free-Market Reforms Won’t Fix Health Care System
In a Los Angeles Times opinion piece, Beverly Hills physician Daniel Stone questions Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s strategy to use free-market initiatives “to improve access to care.” He writes, “Despite Romney’s optimism, free markets will never solve the problems.” Stone argues, “If universal coverage is the goal, there is no alternative to subsidies funded by employers and taxpayers.” Los Angeles Times.
Calif. Biotech Lobbying Efforts Reach $40M From 2009-2011
Between 2009 and 2011, biotech firms with operations in California spent $40 million on federal lobbying, according to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Center for Responsive Politics. Celia Viggo Wexler, a representative of the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the report “raises concerns that with so much money and such big suites of industry lobbyists pounding the halls of Congress every day, it’s easy for the public interest message and the scientific integrity message to get lost.” California Watch.
Gov. Brown Releases Reorganization Plan for Calif. Government
Gov. Brown has submitted a government reorganization plan to the Little Hoover Commission. The plan would reduce the number of state agencies by consolidating or eliminating certain departments. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker,” Sacramento Business Journal.
Insurers, GOP Object to MLR Rebate Notification Letters
Health insurers and Republicans have objected to the language of a letter that will go out with rebates required under the medical-loss ratio rule in the federal health reform law, as well as its intended recipients. Insurers, led by the lobbying group America’s Health Insurance Plans, are upset that HHS might require insurers to send the letters to U.S. residents who are not eligible for a rebate, as well as those who do receive a refund. Meanwhile, Republicans have said that the timing of the letters — which are expected to be sent just weeks ahead of the November election — makes them tantamount to campaign literature for Democrats. Kaiser Health News/Sacramento Bee.