Latest California Healthline Stories
SEIU Director: Tax Plans Rivaling Gov. Brown’s Measure Should Bow Out
The head of Service Employees International Union California is urging supporters of tax proposals that could compete with Gov. Brown’s tax plan in November to drop their measures. Meanwhile, Brown met with a representative for a rival plan. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” Los Angeles Times.
Steinberg Wants Quick Fix for Dental Plan in Sacramento County
Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg is calling for immediate improvements to a Sacramento County dental care plan for low-income children. He also said the program should offer a choice between managed care and fee-for-service plans. Sacramento Bee.
Judge Dismisses Lawsuit by Medical Marijuana Advocates
On Tuesday, a federal judge dismissed one of five lawsuits filed last year by medical marijuana advocates to block federal prosecutors and California officials from shutting down dispensaries across the state. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the El Camino Wellness Center and a Sacramento patient. Sacramento Bee.
Blue Shield of California Seeks Damages From Monarch HealthCare
Blue Shield of California alleges that actions by physician group Monarch HealthCare after it entered into an acquisition agreement with UnitedHealth Group violate its contract with Blue Shield. Blue Shield has filed a demand for at least $10.5 million in damages. Wall Street Journal.
Alameda County Gives Initial OK to Rx Drug ‘Take Back’ Plan
On Tuesday, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to grant preliminary approval to a proposal that would make pharmaceutical drugmakers responsible for the proper disposal of unused and expired medications. If the board grants final approval to the plan during a March 13 vote, the county would be the first in the nation to implement a pharmaceutical “take-back disposal” program. San Jose Mercury News.
Texas Physician, Others Charged With $375M in Home Health Care Fraud
A Texas doctor and the owners of five home health care agencies have been arrested for allegedly defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of nearly $375 million. The Obama administration said it is the largest case of home health care fraud ever committed. Washington Post et al.
Cigna, HealthNet Agree To Cover Autism Therapies
On Monday, California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced settlement agreements with Cigna and HealthNet to guarantee coverage and access to specialized therapy for people with autism. The settlements stem from a dispute over the insurers’ compliance with the state’s Mental Health Parity Law, which mandates coverage of medically necessary behavioral therapies. San Francisco Chronicle‘s “City Brights.”
Costs Higher Than Expected for Calif. High-Risk Pool
Health care costs for California’s temporary high-risk insurance program have reached more than $37,000 per patient annually, according to program administrators. The program — established in 2010 under the federal health reform law — was expected to cost roughly $12,000 per patient annually. The higher-than-expected prices could be driven by demand for coverage of various tests and treatments that patients have waited to obtain. KQED’s “The California Report.”
Kaiser Permanente Aims To Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 30%
Kaiser Permanente wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020, using 2008 levels as a baseline. Kaiser plans to conserve energy and invest in renewable and clean energy. San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.
House GOP Lawmakers Question Sebelius on Health Reform, IPAB
During House hearings on President Obama’s fiscal year 2013 budget plan, Republicans criticized the health reform law and questioned HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about the need for the Independent Payment Advisory Board. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” National Journal.