Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Insurers Opening Retail Stores To Provide Resources to Consumers
Several health insurers have opened retail stores to help consumers purchase health plans or resolve coverage issues. Some experts say the stores could be part of the insurers’ attempt to create a positive public perception. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.
Brown: High Court’s Stance on Medi-Cal Lawsuit Favors State
Gov. Brown said that when the U.S. Supreme Court sent a Medi-Cal lawsuit back to the federal appeals court, it provided “clear instructions that are very favorable to the state’s position.” The lawsuit stems from Medi-Cal reimbursement cuts the California Legislature approved in 2008 and 2009. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Chiang: Retiree Health Costs To Top $62B Over 30 Years
Last week, state Controller John Chiang released a new report that estimates that providing health care and dental benefits to state retirees will cost $62.1 billion over 30 years. Chiang urged the state to set aside extra funding to pay down retiree health costs. He noted that if the state paid an additional $160 million in obligations, it would shave $2.7 billion off the unfunded liability. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
Senate Holds Hearing on Prime Healthcare’s Billing, Medical Practices
Members of the Senate Committee on Health recently held a hearing to question officials from Prime Healthcare Services about their billing and medical practices. The hearing came one day after Prime announced the resignation of its CEO Lex Reddy. Los Angeles Times et al.
Romney Offers Proposal To Gradually Increase Medicare Eligibility Age
On Friday, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney introduced a proposal that would increase the Medicare eligibility age by one month per year starting in 2022. According to Romney, the eligibility age would increase on pace with life expectancy. Wall Street Journal, AP/Contra Costa Times.
Gov. Brown Lobbies for Medi-Cal Waiver During Washington, D.C., Visit
Gov. Brown recently met with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and requested authority to charge Medi-Cal beneficiaries copayments for visits to emergency departments, physicians and dentists. Sebelius said there are legal issues to consider regarding the proposal. Los Angeles Times et al.
Senator Seeks To Overhaul Hospitals’ Billing Practices
Sen. Ted Lieu plans to introduce legislation this month that would require hospitals to give patients upfront information regarding all the potential charges they could incur for hospital stays. Although current law requires hospitals to provide patients with cost estimates upon request, the estimates do not have to include the costs of physicians contracting with the facilities. CBS’ “KNX 1070.”
Inspector General Finds Wide Variation in How MA Plans Detect Fraud
Medicare Advantage plans differ widely in how they define and detect fraud, according to a report from the HHS Office of Inspector General. Meanwhile, the Obama administration is pursuing new policies aimed at reducing improper payments to Medicare Advantage plans. Modern Healthcare, AP/UT-San Diego.
Blue Shield, Medical Groups Team Up for New Health Plan
Blue Shield of California, Hill Physicians Medical Group and AllCare IPA have collaborated to launch “Blue Groove,” a new health insurance plan designed to reduce employer premium costs by 10% and help individuals adopt healthy lifestyles. The plan currently is available to residents of Sacramento and Modesto counties and likely will be expanded, according to Blue Shield officials. San Francisco Business Times.
Democrats Should Follow GOP on Pension Overhaul Plan
Last week, Republican legislators in California introduced a series of bills that closely match Gov. Brown’s 12-point pension reform plan and act as a “direct challenge to the governor to push lawmakers in his party to get on board the reform train,” according to a Stockton Record editorial. However, Democrats have “likely reason[ed] that an election year is not the time to get public pension reform done.” The editorial states that Brown’s plan “may just be a starting point, but what’s important is to get something started.” It notes, “Politics aside, pension reform deserves an airing.” Stockton Record.