Latest California Healthline Stories
Insurer Says State Has Launched Fraud Probe of Lap-Band Surgery Clinics
The California Department of Insurance is examining the business practices of Lap-Band surgery centers affiliated with a state-based marketing campaign, according to health insurance company Aetna. Marketing campaign officials say they are unaware of the investigation. Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles County OKs Plan To Spur Healthy Communities
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance that requires new developments in unincorporated areas to provide wider sidewalks, bicycle parking and other changes to help promote exercise and reduce obesity. Community health leaders said that they were encouraged that county officials were examining how environmental issues affect health but that the county could do more. Los Angeles Times.
Fresno County Labor Walkout Affects Neediest Residents
Some of the neediest Fresno County residents were unable to access welfare workers, family counselors or health care providers during a three-day strike this week involving about 2,000 county workers. Members of the Service Employees International Union and California Nurses Association went on strike over pay cuts of at least 9%. Fresno Bee.
State Would Have Fewer Insured if Individual Mandate Is Revoked
A new study says that 1.04 million fewer California residents would gain insurance by 2019 and that premiums could rise without the federal health reform law’s individual mandate. Payers & Providers, UCLA Center for Health Policy Research release.
GOP Plans To Release Alternative to Reform Law After Court Ruling
On Wednesday, Rep. Joe Pitts said that the GOP will release an alternative to the federal health reform law after the Supreme Court rules on the law’s constitutionality. Pitts said the plan would be crafted in response to how the court rules. Politico, The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Elderly Health Program Viewed as Model To Cut Costs, Improve Care
State and federal policymakers are looking to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly as a potential model to save money and improve health care for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. California has five PACE organizations that operate 18 centers. San Francisco Chronicle.
Motion Picture Fund To Keep Nursing Home Facility Open
On Wednesday, the Motion Picture & Television Fund announced that it is reversing a decision to close its long-term health care facility in Woodland Hills. The facility was set to close after board members in 2009 announced a $10 million-a-year budget shortfall, but MPTF said the facility’s finances have improved and it immediately will start admitting new and former residents. Los Angeles Times‘ “Company Town,” Los Angeles Daily News.
Many U.S. Residents Say Court Will Strike Down Individual Mandate
A Kaiser Family Foundation poll finds that 55% of U.S. residents believe the Supreme Court will rule that the health reform law’s individual mandate is unconstitutional. Nearly 60% of respondents believe the justices will be influenced by ideology. Kaiser Health News, CQ HealthBeat.
GOP Cites Uninsured Data as Proof of Flaws in Reform Law
In a release issued on Tuesday, Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee pointed to new Gallup poll data indicating that the number of uninsured U.S. residents increased from 14% in 2008 to 17% in 2011 as evidence of the weakness of the federal health reform law. Democrats said the data underscore the need for the overhaul’s provision to extend coverage to millions of uninsured individuals by 2014. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
San Diego City Council Approves Retiree Health Plan
On Tuesday, the San Diego City Council voted 6-2 to grant final approval to a city retiree benefits plan that is projected to save $714 million in health care costs over 25 years. The city’s six labor unions have endorsed the plan, which guarantees future health care allowances for 7,440 current employees. However, the plan also requires some workers to contribute as much as $1,200 annually to the benefit. U-T San Diego.