Latest California Healthline Stories
Union Settles Defamation Lawsuit With Sutter Health
UNITE HERE, a union representing hospital housekeepers, has agreed to pay Sutter Health $6 million and apologize for making allegations about the cleanliness of the health system’s maternity wards. The settlement closes a six-year legal dispute in which Sutter Health sued the labor union for defamation for sending disparaging postcards to potential patients. A Placer Superior Court jury sided with the health system in 2006, but an appeals court overturned the verdict based on improper jury instructions. A mediation period brought about the final settlement. Sacramento Bee et al.
Study Points to Overuse of Angioplasty Procedure as Elective Treatments
A study finds that angioplasties, which are procedures to clear clogged arteries, might be unnecessary for about one out of 10 patients who receive elective treatment. The study comes amid growing concern over the use and cost of some medical technologies. Reuters et al.
Governor Brown Signs Budget Package To Close State Deficit
Gov. Brown signed legislation to close California’s deficit one day before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. The new budget includes significant cuts to Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and other health-related programs. Los Angeles Times et al.
Democrats Considering Medicare, Medicaid Cuts To Advance Budget Talks
Democratic leaders and Obama administration officials are weighing proposals to remove tens of billions of dollars from Medicare and Medicaid in an effort to reach an agreement with Republicans on a 2012 budget and deficit-reduction package. New York Times et al.
Clinics Worried Over Funding Losses, Coverage Expansion
Medi-Cal cuts included in the state budget package and an expected increase in insured patients under the federal health reform law have medical clinics concerned about meeting the demand for care. Health care administrators and county officials say plans to extend hours and services at existing clinics, as well as hire additional staff, could be nixed. Bay Citizen/New York Times.
Insurer’s Plan To Purchase Hospital Could Signal Trend
Pittsburgh-based insurer Highmark recently reached an agreement to acquire West Penn Allegheny Health System for as much as $475 million, a move that will be closely watched nationwide as insurers and health care providers consider how best to control spending. Although some health plans have purchased clinics and many hospitals have payment models that mimic insurance plans, insurers typically have avoided purchasing hospitals because they are large investments that pose operating challenges. However, with health spending on the rise, insurers and health care providers might turn to affiliation as a cost-cutting strategy. Wall Street Journal.
More Than 1.5M Calif. Residents See Rise in Health Care Premiums
Last week, scheduled health insurance rate hikes took effect for more than 1.5 million Californians. Recent premium increases have added fuel to the ongoing debate over AB 52, which would allow state regulators to reject planned premium hikes. Sacramento Bee et al.
Many Medicare Beneficiaries Facing Financial Challenges
Federal lawmakers are considering new cuts to Medicare at a time when many program beneficiaries already face substantial health care expenses and financial challenges, according to a set of reports from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Of the Medicare beneficiaries profiled in the reports, about half had annual incomes of less than $22,000 for an individual. The reports also found that many Medicare beneficiaries are forgoing care because of cost concerns. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Company.”
Undocumented Residents Add to Costs for Calif. Hospitals
Uncompensated care for undocumented residents treated at California hospitals reached about $1.25 billion last year, up from $1.05 billion in 2007, according to the California Hospital Association. In Ventura County, eight general care facilities spend more than $260 million annually on uncompensated care for underinsured or uninsured individuals. Nationally, the American Hospital Association has called on President Obama to increase support for hospitals that treat undocumented residents. Ventura County Star.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for June 2011
Gov. Brown recently appointed Deborah Gold as deputy chief for health at California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Meanwhile, Denny Litos is expected to step down from his position as CEO of Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, effective today.