Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial: CDC Study Shows Need for Health Reform Law
A recent CDC survey finding that 20% of U.S. families are struggling to pay medical bills reveals that the U.S. must continue efforts to implement the federal health reform law, a San Jose Mercury News editorial argues. According to the editorial, the reform law is “imperfect,” but “at least California has a plan in place to significantly reduce the number of uninsured and to begin lowering costs.” The editorial concludes, “That’s more than the states fighting so hard to overturn” the law can say. San Jose Mercury News.
MA Funding Changes Have Varying Effect on States
Funding cuts to Medicare Advantage plans under the federal health reform law have a varying effect on beneficiaries, with some receiving additional benefits and others receiving no extra coverage, according to a new Avalere Health report. The cuts affect beneficiaries differently because MA benefits and cost-sharing vary by state. The report found that beneficiaries in California, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Texas and Washington, D.C., received extra benefits. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules.”
Kaiser Nabs Top Spot Again in Insurer Satisfaction Study
For the fifth year in a row, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan ranked highest in member satisfaction among California health plans, according to J.D. Power and Associates’ U.S. Member Health Plan Study released this week. Kaiser received a score of 769 out of 1,000 possible points, compared with the state average of 705. San Francisco Business Times.
CBO: Medicare Spending To Nearly Double Over Next Decade to $1.058T
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Medicare spending will nearly double from $563.3 billion in fiscal year 2011 to $1.058 trillion in fiscal year 2022. It also estimates that Medicaid spending will jump from $275 billion in FY 2011 to $622 billion in FY 2022. Modern Healthcare.
Reform Law Expected To Cost Less, Insure Fewer People Than Projected
The health reform law’s insurance coverage provisions are expected to cost less than projected over the next decade but provide coverage for fewer U.S. residents than previously estimated, according to a Congressional Budget Office report. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Lawmakers at Hearing Call for Quick Changes to OPS Investigations
Lawmakers say that changes must be made immediately to the Office of Protective Services’ investigation procedures into patient injuries at state institutions. Speakers at the hearing suggested various OPS reforms, as well as closing the office. California Watch.
Report: Health System Quality Varies Among Calif. Communities
A Commonwealth Fund report finds that communities vary in health system quality, with higher income areas mostly outperforming lower income areas. Santa Rosa and San Mateo ranked in the top 10 U.S. regions for health system performance. Los Angeles Times et al.
Opinion: Brown Should Consider Merging Tax Plan
“Maybe it’s time” for Gov. Brown to combine his tax hike proposal with two rival tax plans to ensure the initiatives do not cancel each other out on the November ballot, columnist Thomas Elias writes in a San Gabriel Valley Tribune opinion piece. Elias notes, “Rather than Brown expecting the other sponsors to abandon their efforts and simply sign onto his, it may be more realistic for him to adjust some of his proposal to fit into a compromise version of the others.” San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
Health Net Adds Financial Incentives to Low-Cost Plan
Insurer Health Net has added wellness incentives to its Bronze HMO plan. The low-cost health plan — renamed SmartCare — will provide members with financial rewards for completing a health risk questionnaire and visiting their primary care physician. The plan will be used in association with 40 medical groups in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego. Payers & Providers.
Calif. To Receive Funds for Medicaid Mental Health Pilot Program
Yesterday, CMS awarded $75 million to California, the District of Columbia and 10 other states for a Medicaid demonstration program aimed at expanding access to emergency psychiatric care. The program was authorized by the federal health reform law. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.