Latest California Healthline Stories
Grocery Workers Give Notice To Strike Over Health Benefits
On Thursday, the United Food and Commercial Workers union gave three Southern California supermarket chains — Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons — 72 hours notice to cancel their labor contract extension, a mandatory step before striking. Union leaders expressed frustration with the slow progress of contract negotiations, which have stalled over health care benefits. Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune.
Doctors Oppose Bill To Notify Women of Dense Breast Tissue Condition
Many physicians are concerned with legislation that would require them to notify women who have extremely dense breast tissue, which could mask breast cancer. Doctors argue that telling women about the condition could lead to unnecessary testing. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
34 California Hospitals Named Top Performers
On Wednesday, 34 California hospitals and medical centers were recognized by the Joint Commission as top performers based on a series of health care quality measures for various medical specialties and conditions. Nationwide, the acute-care hospital accreditation organization recognized a total of 405 health care facilities for meeting at least 22 quality measures for at least 95% of the time in 2010. Nine of the California facilities are located in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, Washington Hospital in Fremont and Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. Contra Costa Times et al.
Report: Rates of Vaginal Births After C-Sections Vary Widely Across Calif.
A report from the California HealthCare Foundation finds that rates of vaginal births after caesarean sections vary widely across California. The rates were highest in Berkeley and Greenbrae and lowest in El Centro Imperial County. San Francisco Chronicle.
Industry Alliance Launches Insurance Enrollment Effort
On Wednesday, Enroll America — a coalition of 42 industry, health care and consumer groups — launched an effort to inform uninsured U.S. residents about coverage available through the federal health reform law. AARP, Aetna, the American Hospital Association and United Way are among the more than 40 members of the coalition. Organizers said America’s Health Insurance Plans, which opposed the passage of the overhaul, provided seed money for Enroll America and supports the coalition’s objectives. AP/Washington Post, Los Angeles Times.
Health Industry Group Outlines Proposal To Cut Medicare Spending
The Healthcare Leadership Council has sent the debt panel a plan to curb Medicare spending by $410 billion over 10 years without cutting reimbursements. Under the plan, beneficiaries would use vouchers to buy private health plans from an insurance exchange. National Journal et al.
Project Zeroes In on Improper Payments in Health Programs
On Wednesday, HHS unveiled details of a $2.1 billion initiative designed to recover improper Medicaid and Medicare payments from the previous five years. The initiative, led by Vice President Biden, is part of a broader government effort to reduce wasteful spending. The two programs are considered high-risk by the Government Accountability Office as they are more susceptible to fraud, waste, abuse and improper payments. In 2010, GAO reported that as much as $70 billion was lost through improper payments in the programs. Meanwhile, provisions to address waste and fraud in the federal health reform law are expected to generate about $6 billion in savings. USA Today.
Republicans Say Obama Administration Ignored Warnings on CLASS Act
Republicans seeking to repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act — a long-term care insurance program created by the health reform law — say the Obama administration ignored repeated warnings about the program’s financial instability. AP/Washington Post.
Organizations Win $4M in Grants for Medical Home Development
A number of California organizations have received more than $4 million in grants to help roll out medical homes based at community clinics. The funds were allocated by the Community Clinics Initiative, which is run by philanthropy groups the California Endowment and Tides. Payers & Providers.
Reform Law Challenges in Calif. Could Have Broader Implications
California is seeking approval from the Obama administration for Medi-Cal cuts, as the state works to expand coverage under the federal health reform law. Federal officials are concerned more states could seek cuts if California’s are approved. Los Angeles Times.