Latest California Healthline Stories
New CMS Program To Provide Incentive Pay to Primary Care Physicians
CMS has unveiled a program that will give extra Medicare payments to primary care doctors who offer effective care coordination. The initiative is expected to launch as a demonstration project in five to seven selected health care markets. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Better Coordination of Long-Term Care Needed in California, Experts Say
During a summit on long-term support for elderly individuals, experts said there needs to be an improvement in coordinating long-term care services. The meeting featured a report that ranked California 15th in the U.S. for providing long-term care services. HealthyCal.
Study: Defensive Medicine Adds Billions in Medical Costs
Defensive medicine costs make up between 26% and 34% of the $2.5 trillion spent annually on health care in the U.S., or between $650 billion and $850 billion, according to a Jackson Healthcare report. The report — based on a summary of physician opinions on defensive medicine obtained through a survey — concluded that many physicians alleviate fears of being sued by ordering tests and treatments that can inflate health care spending. According to the analysis, physicians working under contract with the federal government were significantly less likely to use defensive medicine than physicians working in private practice. Healthcare Finance News.
Several Health-Related Pieces of Legislation Await Brown’s Decision
A number of health-related bills are on Gov. Brown’s desk. Some of the measures would help align California with provisions of the health reform law and help people sign up for insurance coverage. Brown has until Oct. 9 to take action on the bills. California Watch, Los Angeles Times.
Group Objects to Fresno County’s Move To Opt Out of Health Program
A not-for-profit law firm is objecting to a decision by Fresno County supervisors to withdraw an application for the Low Income Health Program, which is designed to offer insurance for low-income residents before the federal health reform law expands coverage. Fresno Bee.
Survey: Employer-Based Health Coverage Costing More, Covering Less
Although many workers are receiving less comprehensive health insurance benefits, premiums for employer-based coverage have continued to rise, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust. Washington Post et al.
Business Group Asks SCOTUS To Review Health Reform Case
On Wednesday, the National Federation of Independent Business — a plaintiff in the multistate lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal health reform law — petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review an appellate court’s ruling in the lawsuit. In August, a three-judge panel at the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta upheld most of the reform law but declared the individual mandate unconstitutional. NFIB said the ruling will hurt business and stressed the importance of quickly resolving the issue of constitutionality because many employers face uncertainty about costs and requirements under the overhaul. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune, The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Disability-Rights Advocates Plan Challenge to State Budget Cuts
A coalition of disability-rights advocates is planning to file a lawsuit challenging about $100 million in proposed cuts to services for people with disabilities. The cuts were included in this year’s $86 billion state budget package. Los Angeles Times.
Legal Opinion Threatens L.A.’s Plan To Freeze Retiree Benefits
This month, a law firm retained by the Los Angeles City Fire and Police Pensions board concluded that the city is legally obligated to cover the cost of rising health care premiums for its retirees. This summer, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the City Council approved a plan to freeze the amount of health care benefits firefighters and police receive once they retire in an effort to balance the city’s budget. The Los Angeles Retired Fire and Police Association is calling for the public safety pensions board to reject the freeze. Meanwhile, Villaraigosa called the legal opinion “ludicrous,” adding, “I believe we’re absolutely on strong legal ground.” Los Angeles Times.
CHCF CEO Says Health 2.0 Could Change the Industry
During a keynote speech at the Health 2.0 Conference in San Francisco on Monday, Mark Smith — CEO and president of the California HealthCare Foundation — said, “Health 2.0 has the promise to change the health care industry” and health reform is essential for innovation and the rollout of the health 2.0 business model. He added that the future of health care and the economy depends on innovators finding new ways to rein in health care costs. Smith noted that CHCF has established an innovation fund to help entrepreneurs in the health care industry “innovate, spread and change the world.” InformationWeek, Healthcare IT News.