Latest California Healthline Stories
DOJ, Plaintiffs Asking for More Argument Time in Health Reform Law Case
Last week, the Department of Justice filed a brief with the Supreme Court calling for more time for arguments in the multi-state lawsuit challenging the federal health reform law. However, the plaintiffs are debating the amount of time that should be allocated to each side. The New American et al.
Lap-Band Maker Will Not Sell to Clinics Linked to Marketing Campaign
The manufacturer of the Lap-Band device says it has discontinued sales to surgery centers affiliated with the 1-800-GET-THIN marketing campaign. Several of the centers’ patients died following weight-loss procedures, prompting state and federal investigations. Los Angeles Times, AP/Sacramento Bee.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 3, 2012
This week, UC-San Diego Health System finalized its $18 million purchase of the Las Vegas-based Nevada Cancer Institute. Meanwhile, Prime Healthcare Services withdrew its bid to purchase the New Jersey-based Christ Hospital after coming under scrutiny for its billing practices.
Gov. Brown Releases Proposal To Overhaul Public Pensions System
Gov. Brown has sent a pension reform plan to the Legislature’s Conference Committee on Public Employee Pensions. The proposal, which includes changes to retirees’ health benefits, is being criticized by labor unions. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker” et al.
Task Force Considers Insurer Coverage of Autism Therapies
On Wednesday, California’s new autism advisory task force launched a series of public meetings to develop recommendations on autism services that health insurers should cover. The panel — chaired by Brent Barnhart of the Department of Managed Health Care — will look at various treatments, including applied behavior analysis. The panel will deliver its recommendations to Gov. Brown by the end of the year. KQED’s “The California Report.”
Report Identifies Disparities in Climate-Related Health Risks
A new California Department of Public Health analysis of Los Angeles and Fresno counties finds that poor, urban and minority residents were more likely to be exposed to health and safety risks related to climate change. Public health experts said disparities in climate-related health risks can be attributed in part to lower-quality living conditions and poorer health statuses. California Watch.
Reform Law Reduced Medicare Enrollees’ Rx Costs by $2.1B in 2011
Yesterday, the Obama administration announced that the health reform law reduced prescription drug costs by $2.1 billion for the 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries who were in the “doughnut hole” in 2011, amounting to about $604 in savings per beneficiary. Los Angeles Times et al.
Calif. Komen Affiliates Blast Defunding Decision
In a joint statement to California’s congressional delegation on Thursday, all seven California affiliates of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation said they oppose the breast cancer advocacy group’s decision this week to halt funding grants to Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide. In 2011, 19 Planned Parenthood affiliates received about $680,000 from Komen for their breast cancer screening and education programs. Washington Post‘s “WonkBlog,” Oakland Tribune.
HHS: Premiums Decline, Enrollment Up in MA Plans
On Wednesday, HHS announced that premiums for Medicare Advantage plans decreased by 7% and enrollment increased by 10% in the last year. HHS said the data show that the federal health reform law has not weakened the program, but insurers argued that significant program cuts are still to come. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Rep. Camp Airs Concerns About Plan To Put War Savings Toward ‘Doc Fix’
House Ways and Means Committee Chair Dave Camp says a panel tasked with extending a payroll tax cut and delaying Medicare payment cuts might lack authority to fund such measures with savings from ending the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules” et al.