Latest California Healthline Stories
Agency Calls for Coordination in Long-Term Health Care Services
The Little Hoover Commission, a bipartisan watchdog group, has found the state’s services that keep the elderly and residents with disabilities out of nursing homes are uncoordinated and ill prepared to handle increased demand from baby boomers. Sacramento Bee.
HHS Unveils Details of Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Initiative
On Friday, HHS released final rules outlining its value-based purchasing program, which will overhaul Medicare payments to reward hospitals for care quality and patient satisfaction. The value-based purchasing program was mandated under the health reform law. National Journal, Kaiser Health News.
Doctors’ Group Has Spent $50K in Congressional Race
The Cooperative of American Physicians has spent more than $51,000 in a mail campaign to support Los Angeles council member Janice Hahn’s bid for Congress, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Hahn is one of 16 candidates on the May 17 ballot. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Prison Medical Receiver Facing Lawsuit Over Pension Spiking Claims
A lawsuit claims that J. Clark Kelso — the federal receiver for California’s prison health system — is improperly boosting his CalPERS pension by collecting his federal compensation through the state Administrative Office of the Courts. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker” et al.
GOP Seeks Vote on President Obama’s Initial FY 2012 Budget Outline
On Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he intends to force a vote on President Obama’s fiscal year 2012 budget proposal unveiled in February. A Democratic spokesperson says the move is a stunt because Obama’s plan has since been updated. Politico et al.
Ryan’s Plan To Overhaul Medicare Continues To Face Heat at Town Halls
Many U.S. residents are attending town-hall meetings to protest Rep. Paul Ryan’s fiscal year 2012 budget proposal, which would privatize Medicare. Over the past two weeks, Ryan has faced criticism at 19 public events during which he discussed his budget plan. Politico et al.
Former City Official Tapped for Medical Commission Post
The Senate Rules Committee has appointed Fran Florez — a former candidate for the Assembly and former mayor of Shafter — to the California Medical Assistance Commission. Florez will receive an annual salary of $56,095, plus travel expenses, to serve on the board, which oversees services in Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. In related news, the Senate Health Committee voted 3-6 on Thursday to reject a bill by Sen. Tony Strickland that would have abolished the California Medical Assistance Commission. Bakersfield Californian et al.
Opinion: Premium Increases Reflect Rising Medical Costs
“Contrary to what many believe, rising insurance premiums mostly reflect the increasing year-to-year growth of medical claims for different insured groups,” Leif Wellington Haase, senior fellow at the New America Foundation, writes in an opinion piece for the San Francisco Chronicle‘s “Opinion Shop.” Haase adds that California needs “a broad health care affordability agenda to lower health costs and to improve the value the state gets for its medical spending.” San Francisco Chronicle‘s “Opinion Shop.”
ED Physicians Predict Reform Law Will Worsen Crowding
Nearly 90% of emergency department physicians say that ED visits will increase as the federal health reform law is implemented and a growing number of insured patients are unable to access primary care services, according to an American College of Emergency Physicians survey. The survey — which polled 1,768 ED physicians nationwide — found that about 97% of ED physicians report treating patients who have private insurance and were referred to the ED for care by their primary care physician. The survey also found that 97% of ED physicians reported treating Medicaid patients daily because they were unable find a physician who accepted their insurance. NPR’s “Shots,” HealthLeaders Media.
Report Identifies Possible Rx Savings for Medicare Part B
Medicare could save $4.4 million annually by reducing reimbursement rates for certain drugs administered by physicians, according to recommendations from an HHS Office of Inspector General report. The report focuses on Medicare Part B-covered drugs, which typically are infused or injectable medications that cannot be self-administered. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”