Latest California Healthline Stories
Congressional Leaders Discuss Medicare ‘Doc Fix,’ Payroll Tax Break
Yesterday, leaders of the House and Senate met to discuss ideas for extending a tax break and delaying cuts to Medicare physician payments. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl is lobbying lawmakers to develop a permanent fix to the Medicare payment formula. Politico et al.
House GOP To Resume Efforts To Repeal CLASS Act in 2012
On Tuesday, House Republicans acknowledged that they will not be able to repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act before the end of the year, but they pledged to revive repeal efforts in 2012. The CLASS Act — created by the federal health reform law — was intended to provide coverage to workers if they become unable to care for themselves because of injury or illness. According to House GOP members, the House Ways and Means Committee will begin markup on a CLASS repeal proposal early next year. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Study: State Should Curb Public Employee Retirement Benefits
California needs to reduce pension benefits for public workers and retirees to help alleviate strain on the state budget, according to a new study. Critics of the report question its analysis and the legality of its recommendations. Sacramento Bee et al.
California School Nurses Caring for More Serious Medical Conditions
California school nurses increasingly are providing treatment for students with serious medical conditions. One expert says nurses who provide treatment for more critical health conditions might not have time to care for students with milder conditions. HealthyCal.
Audit: State Agency Oversight of Medi-Cal Managed Care Is Lacking
A state audit finds that the departments of Health Care Services and Managed Health Care have failed to adequately review the finances of Medi-Cal managed care plans. The departments say they have taken action to improve oversight processes. Los Angeles Times.
States Spending More Money on Medicaid, According to Report
A National Association of State Budget Officers report finds that total state spending on Medicaid reached nearly $400 billion in fiscal year 2011, a 10.1% increase from FY 2010. Medi-Cal accounted for 40.8% of California’s total spending in FY 2011. Reuters, New York Times.
Yuba County Clinic Expands Integrated Health Services
This year, the Harmony Health Medical Clinic in Yuba County opened a new natural birthing center and expanded its mental health care services for Yuba College students. The services are in addition to a range of social services and other physical health, mental health and reproductive health care the clinic provides. The clinic has about 60,000 visits annually. HealthyCal.
Fresno County Inmates Sue Over Inadequate Health Care
In a class-action lawsuit filed Tuesday, four Fresno County Jail inmates allege that Sheriff Margaret Mims operates an unsafe jail and fails to provide basic health care. The plaintiffs said that treatment for life-threatening illnesses, severe mental health symptoms and serious dental conditions are routinely denied. The lawsuit adds that there are not enough medical personnel at the jail to provide adequate care for more than 2,300 inmates and that as a result inmates face long waits for clinical examinations. The inmates are seeking a court order that would require Mims to provide the inmates with basic health care and adequate protections. Fresno Bee.
Blue Shield, UCLA Reimbursement Dispute Could Affect Patients
If Blue Shield of California and UCLA do not agree on reimbursement rates by Dec. 31, thousands of patients at two UCLA hospitals could have to pay more for medical services or seek health care at other locations. Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Business Times.
Low Revenue Triggers $980M in Deeper State Spending Reductions
Gov. Brown has announced that there will be $980 million in deeper spending cuts because of lower-than-expected state revenue. The cuts will begin to take effect next year and will affect health and human services programs. Sacramento Bee et al.