Latest California Healthline Stories
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 13, 2011
Registered nurses have returned to work at Children’s Hospital Oakland after a five-day strike over proposed changes to their health benefits. Meanwhile, employees at three California Pacific Medical Center campuses have voted to join the National Union of Healthcare Workers.
Report Says Health Centers Could Cut Excessive ED Visits
Community health centers can play an influential role in reducing non-urgent visits to hospital emergency departments, a Government Accountability Office report states. The report assessed three ways health centers can decrease the number of non-urgent ED visits: educating patients about the proper use of EDs and the services provided by health centers; care coordination, with a focus on prevention; and removing barriers to health center services, such as extending hours and offering walk-in appointments. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Health Care Costs on the Rise in Los Angeles, Across the Country
A new Milliman report finds that the average annual health care cost for a Los Angeles family of four has increased by nearly 43% since 2006. The nationwide average annual health care cost has more than doubled since 2002. Payers & Providers et al.
House GOP Finds $30B in New Cuts; Reps. Seek ‘Reset’ on Medicare Talks
House Appropriations Committee Chair Hal Rogers has released a plan to make $30 billion in new fiscal year 2012 spending cuts, including for health programs. Meanwhile, freshman GOP lawmakers are asking Democrats to “reset” Medicare overhaul talks. New York Times et al.
San Mateo County’s First 5 Cuts $15.5M From Program
Last month, the First 5 San Mateo County Commission approved a budget plan that reduces funding for children’s health care, wellness and other services by 31%, or $15.5 million. The cuts stem from lawmakers’ plan to shift about $1 billion from county First 5 programs to address the state budget deficit. First 5 commissions are funded through Proposition 10, which voters passed in 1998 to authorize the use of tobacco tax revenue for early childhood health and education programs. San Jose Mercury News.
Court Orders VA To Overhaul Mental Health Care System
On Tuesday, the Ninth U.S. District Court of Appeals ordered a major overhaul of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ mental health programs because they fail to provide adequate care for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions. VA is required to provide a mental health assessment within 30 days of any veteran requesting help. However, the ruling stated that such applications face delays of months or years, and those needing care are relegated to waiting lists. Los Angeles Times et al.
Hospitals Face Up to $49B in Unpaid Medical Bills Annually
U.S. hospitals are left with as much as $49 billion in unpaid medical bills annually after treating patients who are uninsured, according to a new HHS study. The study found that families without health insurance, on average, are able to fully pay just 12% of their hospital bills. USA Today.
Consumer Advocates Push for Federal Health Plan Rate Review Bill
Consumer Watchdog is stumping for a bill that would authorize HHS to block certain health plan rate hikes. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, co-sponsor of the bill, said large rate increases in California highlight the need for the legislation. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
American Medical Group Assn. Cites Issues With Accountable Care Rules
The American Medical Group Association has told CMS that the majority of its members will not participate in accountable care organizations unless significant changes are made to the proposed rules, which it says are too burdensome and difficult to achieve. CQ HealthBeat et al.
San Diego Supervisors Sign Off on Rx Drug Discount Plan
On Tuesday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Coast2CoastRx Discount Prescription Card Program. The program offers discounts on dental, hearing and vision services, as well as markdowns on prescription drugs and lab and imaging tests. The program — which will launch in June — is aimed at elderly, uninsured and underinsured residents. San Diego Union-Tribune.