Latest California Healthline Stories
Seniors Improperly Denied Home Care Payments, Lawsuit Says
A new lawsuit alleges that Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania avoided reimbursing California seniors for in-home care costs. SHIP has about 10,000 policyholders in California. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Surgery Centers Halt Lap-Band Procedures Amid Investigations
Lap-Band surgeries have been temporarily discontinued at two surgery centers linked with the 1-800-GET-THIN campaign. Facility officials said they halted the procedure because of allegations questioning its safety. Los Angeles Times et al.
Court: Social Security Beneficiaries Cannot Drop Medicare Eligibility
A court ruled that U.S. residents enrolled in Social Security cannot forgo Medicare eligibility. The plaintiffs sought to give up their eligibility because their health plans limit benefits for those who qualify for Medicare. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
FDA’s Medical Device Tracking Proposal Remains Stalled at OMB
FDA’s plan to track medical devices with unique device identifiers has been stalled at the Office of Management and Budget since last summer. Patient advocates say that delaying implementation of UDIs could pose patient safety risks. Politico.
Romney Lauds Endorsement by Former Calif. Gov. Wilson
On Monday, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney announced he received an endorsement from former California Gov. Pete Wilson (R) and named Wilson honorary chair of his California campaign. In the statement, Romney called Wilson “one of California’s most accomplished leaders.” Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Study IDs Factors Affecting Nursing Home Care Quality
Staff-to-patient ratios and ownership are important factors influencing the quality of care provided at nursing homes, according to a new UC-San Francisco study. The study compared care quality at the 10 largest for-profit nursing home chains from 2003 to 2008, with the care provided at other for-profit, not-for-profit and government-run facilities. Contra Costa Times.
Editorial Calls on Voters To Reject All Tax Hike Plans
An Orange County Register editorial states, “We’re delighted” that three competing tax initiatives likely will appear on the November ballot, which “could confuse voters and divide the pro-tax vote, resulting in none of them passing.” It adds, “California by virtually every measure is already heavily taxed. It is misguided to rely on even higher taxes to fill the state’s budget gap, particularly amid economic hard times.” Orange County Register.
Judge: S.D. Can Deny Licenses to Medical Pot Distributors
Last week, a California Superior Court judge ruled that San Diego officials can deny business licenses to medical marijuana distributors. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed by Wisdom Organics after the city treasurer refused its application for a business tax certificate. U-T San Diego.
Democrats Question State-Based ‘Essential Benefits’ Plan
In a letter sent on Monday to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, House Democrats expressed concern that the agency’s decision to grant states authority to determine “essential health benefits” in state-based insurance exchanges would give insurers more power. They noted that allowing states to choose their essential benefits would “undermine” the objectives of the federal health reform law by enabling insurers “to continue avoiding sicker individuals rather than competing on quality and efficiency.” The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.
Most Calls to San Diego County HHS Do Not Get Through, Report Finds
A new InTelegy report finds that five out of six calls made to San Diego County seeking benefits like food stamps go unanswered. The report cites inadequacies in the Health and Human Services Agency ‘s staffing levels and phone system. AP/Sacramento Bee, U-T San Diego.