Latest California Healthline Stories
Plaintiffs in Reform Law Case Affirm Opposition to Medicaid Expansion
The 26 states challenging the health reform law have filed a brief with the Supreme Court reiterating their opposition to the law’s Medicaid expansion. They argued that the required expansion undermines the program’s state-federal partnership. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Health Care Districts Spending Less on Aiding Uninsured Residents
Certain publicly operated health care districts are spending more of their reserves on administrative expenses than on care resources for uninsured residents. Critics say the districts may no longer be the best option for improving care in communities. Bay Citizen.
Payment Delays, Personnel Issues Plague Medi-Cal Plan
Ventura County health care providers say Gold Coast Health Plan, a managed care system that administers Medi-Cal in the county, is significantly behind in processing claims. Meanwhile, the group’s CEO resigned on Thursday. Last month, the plan’s human resources director and interim director of operations were dismissed, and its chief financial officer resigned in January after an allegation of driving under the influence. Ventura County Star.
Report Details Ways To Bolster Safety-Net Hospitals
Last week, the Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System released a report offering recommendations for how policymakers can alter reimbursement to safety-net hospitals once provisions of the health reform law take effect. The report was prepared by Manatt Health Solutions. Modern Healthcare.
HHS Issues Final Rule on State Health Insurance Exchanges
Today, HHS released the final rule for state-based health insurance exchanges under the health reform law. However, many states are delaying work on such exchanges until the Supreme Court rules on the law’s constitutionality. Modern Healthcare et al.
Supreme Court’s Health Reform Ruling To Affect Several Sectors of U.S.
In about two weeks, the Supreme Court will begin reviewing the constitutionality of the health reform law. Experts say the ruling could affect millions of U.S. residents and many businesses, as well as the political and judicial sectors. Politico et al.
Bill Would Expand Access to First-Term Abortions
A bill, by Sen. Christine Kehoe, would allow nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified midwives to perform “aspiration” abortions, a procedure that uses a suction method to remove a fetus from a uterus. If approved, California would become the fifth state to allow non-doctors to perform the procedure. The Legislature likely will approve the bill. Gov. Brown has not yet taken a stance on the legislation. Sacramento Bee.
Mt. Diablo Health District Under Fire After Recent Grant
Mt. Diablo Health Care District awarded a $50,000 grant to the not-for-profit NorCal Transitions to help the homeless, but the group’s founder has a criminal record that includes felony grand theft, unpaid taxes and allegations of domestic abuse. The health district already has come under fire for spending the majority of its funding on overhead, elections and lawyers, and rarely offering community services. This week, officials likely will vote to terminate the health care district. Contra Costa Times.
Exemptions Included in SEIU’s Proposed Ballot Measures Raise Queries
Service Employees International Union has proposed two ballot measures that aim to limit hospital billing and boost charity care. However, critics note that the measures would exempt hospitals where many union members work. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Opinion Piece Slams Cuts to Services for Elderly, Disabled
In an opinion piece, Jonathan Glidden — a retired attorney who was an aide to former state Sens. Rebecca Morgan and Tom Campbell — and Nicki Pecchenino — a former campaign consultant and chief of staff to Santa Cruz County Supervisor Robley Levy — criticize Gov. Brown’s proposed cuts to In-Home Supportive Services. They write, “The proposed savings of $1 billion may soon appear to be a poor bargain,” adding, “The taxpayers of California will merely put money back into one pocket and take even more out of another, and everyone will then be the worse off for the bargain.” Santa Cruz Sentinel.