Latest California Healthline Stories
Groups Seek Extra Time for ‘Essential Benefits’ Comments
In a letter to HHS, a coalition of patient advocacy groups asked the department to extend the public comment period beyond Jan. 31 on a proposal defining “essential benefits” in state-based health insurance exchanges under the federal health reform law. The letter states that more time is needed because of the complexity of the issue and because the bulletin was released right before the holidays. The groups asked for an extension of 45 days to respond. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Sutter Health, Aetna Agree to Two-Year Contract Renewal
On Thursday, Sutter Health and Aetna announced that they have reached a two-year contract renewal agreement. Under the agreement, northern California members of Aetna’s commercial plans will continue to receive in-network rates at Sutter Health hospitals and ancillary facilities. In addition, physicians and health care providers at Sutter facilities will keep their designation as participating network providers. Sacramento Bee.
State Orders Anthem To Pay Back Providers for Outstanding Claims
The Department of Managed Health Care is directing Anthem Blue Cross to pay health care providers for outstanding claims dating back to 2007 because the insurer failed to comply with an audit. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Business Journal.
UC Unveils Systemwide Policy To Ban Smoking, Other Tobacco Products
The University of California has announced that over the next two years, it will implement a systemwide ban on smoking and other tobacco products. The move is designed to reduce secondhand smoke and prevent people from starting to smoke. San Jose Mercury News et al.
HHS Says Trustmark’s Proposed Premium Hike Is ‘Unreasonable’
Yesterday, HHS declared that a proposed 13% premium increase from Trustmark Life Insurance in Alabama, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wyoming is “unreasonable.” HHS cannot reject rate increases, but it can publicize those it deems too high. Modern Healthcare et al.
UCLA, Health Net Expanding Teen Health Literacy Program
UCLA’s School of Public Health and Health Net have announced plans for a nationwide expansion of the health literacy social media program teen2extreme, or T2X. The initiative, which launched with the help of a $1.1 million NIH grant, aims to help adolescents better understand their health care access options. The T2X website allows teens to sign up for mobile phone text alerts and chat online with health care experts and nurses. Payers & Providers.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of January 13, 2012
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital recently held an open house for its new 370,000 square-foot facility, which includes a 40-bed intensive care unit. Meanwhile, El Camino Hospital workers have voted to remain with the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare West.
CVS To Pay $5M To Settle Allegations of Deceptive Drug Prices
CVS Caremark has agreed to pay $5 million to customers of CVS and Walgreen pharmacies to settle an investigation of charges that it misrepresented the price of certain Medicare prescription drugs. CVS will send checks to affected beneficiaries. Wall Street Journal et al.
Adventist Health To Expand EHR System to 130 Clinics
California-based Adventist Health will expand its affiliation with health IT company Cerner and roll out Cerner’s electronic health record system at more than 130 outpatient clinics in four states, including at the largest California rural health clinic network. Alan Soderblom, vice president and chief information officer at Adventist Health, said the new initiative will complement the use of EHRs in the health system’s hospital and home health settings and improve coordination. Kansas City Business Journal et al.
High Court Hears Lawsuit on State Workers’ Medical Leave
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case involving state workers’ right to sue over medical leave. The lawsuit, which a Maryland state employee filed under the Family and Medical Leave Act, alleges that the employee was improperly fired in 2007 for taking a 10-day medical leave to manage his high blood pressure and diabetes. Maryland is one of 27 states arguing that they are protected from such suits that could hurt states’ finances. Rep. George Miller, who was involved in drafting the Family and Medical Leave Act, recently signed on to an amicus brief stating that the high court should not strike down state workers’ right to sue under the law. AP/Miami Herald, The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”