Latest California Healthline Stories
Small Businesses Unlikely To Claim Reform Law Tax Credit
Most small businesses that qualify for a tax credit under the federal health reform law are unlikely to claim it. According to several industry experts, many small employers are unaware the credit is available, while others say health benefits are too costly even with the credit. U-T San Diego.
Conservative Justices Question Reform Law’s Individual Mandate
During yesterday’s oral arguments in the Supreme Court case challenging the federal health reform law, conservative justices appeared skeptical of Congress’ authority to mandate that all U.S. residents purchase health insurance coverage. Los Angeles Times et al.
Bill Seeks To Provide Nutritious Meals for Charter School Students
New legislation would extend to charter schools a mandate requiring public schools to provide low-income students with nutritious meals each school day at no cost or at a reduced price. However, charter school officials say they might not have the resources to comply with the bill. California Watch.
Insurance Premiums in California Could Jump by 20%, Filings Show
California insurers have submitted rate filings that indicate premiums for policyholders could increase by as much as 20% in coming months. A spokesperson for Anthem Blue Cross says the hikes are necessary for the health plan to cover mandated benefits and medical claims costs. Orange County Register.
Columnist Rejects Reform Law, Civil Rights Comparison
Syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker writes that President Obama’s suggestion that the federal health reform law is like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 “has been perpetuated by countless talk-show hosts and their guests.” She argues, “Civil rights activists who were beaten, bloodied and killed in the struggle to have a voice were nothing like the bureaucrats and politicians who insist that the [overhaul] is a comparable victory,” adding, “The Civil Rights Act was a monument to freedom and human dignity. Health care reform is … something else.” Sacramento Bee.
Romney Reiterates Opposition to Federal Health Reform Law
During a two-day campaign stop in California, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney reiterated his opposition to the federal health reform law and his pledge to repeal the law if he is elected. He spoke at NuVasive, a medical device manufacturer in San Diego. Los Angeles Times.
Health Trust for California Schools To Report Travel
This week, the Los Angeles attorney for the California Schools Voluntary Employees Benefits Association — which provides health care and other benefits to school districts in California and across the U.S. — said the not-for-profit health insurance trust’s board has been asked to report its travel benefits on state disclosure forms and revise its past filings to reflect that information. U-T San Diego.
Court Will Not Revisit Ruling on Payment for Bone Marrow Donors
Yesterday, an appeals court turned down the Obama administration’s request to reconsider a ruling allowing payments to people who donate bone marrow. The administration has 90 days to decide whether to petition the case to the Supreme Court. AP/U-T San Diego, Los Angeles Times.
Calif. Aims To Have 10K Health Providers Nab EHR Incentive Payments
By June, California wants 10,000 health care providers to receive Medicaid incentive payments for implementing or upgrading to certified electronic health record technology. CMS says some states are joining with local stakeholders to help providers achieve meaningful use. Modern Healthcare.
Merced VA Clinic Seeks To Treat More Area Veterans
Officials with the Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care System’s Merced Outpatient Clinic are trying to encourage more veterans in Merced County to seek health care at the clinic. An estimated 12,000 veterans live in the county, but the clinic serves only about 2,800 veterans. Merced Sun-Star.