Latest California Healthline Stories
Care Providers Push Back on Medicaid Managed Care Model
As more than one dozen governors attempt to shift more Medicaid beneficiaries into private managed care plans, insurers and health care providers are battling for money and control of new networks. About half of the 50 million Medicaid beneficiaries nationwide are enrolled in managed care plans, which limit patients’ coverage to certain providers and hospitals. Although some patient advocates have expressed concern about the quality of managed care, states now are facing the most push back from hospitals, physicians and nursing homes. McClatchy/Kaiser Health News.
Aetna Scales Back Rate Increases for Individual Health Insurance Plans
For the second time in recent months, Aetna has reduced its proposed rate hikes for individual policyholders. On July 1, about 43,000 policyholders are expected to face average rate hikes of 12.2%, down from earlier proposed increases of 15.6% and 17.9%. Payers & Providers.
Poorer Residents Face Difficulty Paying for Coverage Under Reform
A Commonwealth Fund report finds that most Americans living above the federal poverty level will be able to afford private health plans under the health reform law but that indigent individuals still could struggle to pay out-of-pocket costs. National Journal, Modern Healthcare.
Assembly Panel Passes Bill To Boost Oversight of Health Plan Rates
Yesterday, the Assembly Committee on Health approved AB 52, which would allow state regulators to reject proposed health plan rate hikes. The legislation also would allow consumers to intervene in a regulator’s decision by filing a civil lawsuit. California Watch et al.
Panel OKs Fee To Raise Funds for Spinal Cord Injury Studies
On Tuesday, the Assembly Committee on Public Safety voted 4-3 to approve a bill that would direct revenue from traffic violations to a spinal cord injury research fund. The $3 surcharge on moving-traffic violations could raise $11 million annually for the research fund. The bill now moves to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations next month and could be approved by the Legislature by the end of summer. San Francisco Business Times.
Pew Study: States Have Budgeted for Only 5% of Retiree Health Benefits
A Pew Charitable Trusts study finds that states have allocated about $31 billion of the $600 billion they have promised in public worker retiree health benefits. In fiscal year 2009, California owed $490.6 billion in pension liabilities. CQ HealthBeat, AP/San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Maternal Mortality Rates on the Rise in California, Report Finds
State officials have released a report finding that pregnancy-related deaths in California increased significantly between 1999 and 2008, from eight deaths per 100,000 live births to 14 deaths per 100,000 live births. Los Angeles Times‘ “Booster Shots” et al.
State Senate Passes Bill To Ban Alcoholic Energy Drinks
On Monday, the state Senate voted 24-14 to pass a bill, by Sen. Alex Padilla, that would ban the manufacturing, importation and sale of caffeinated beer beverages in California. Padilla said alcoholic energy drinks have serious health and safety risks, particularly for young people. The bill now moves to the Assembly. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
Institute of Medicine Calls for Standardized Pediatric Quality Rules
A new report says that the U.S. lacks a harmonized system to track the quality of children’s health care and should take steps to break down barriers that hinder coordination. The report offers recommendations on addressing patient privacy and other issues. National Journal et al.
Medical Groups Offer Funds To Support Flu Shot Program
UC-Davis Medical Center recently announced that it will contribute $15,000 to help Sacramento County continue operating a no-cost influenza immunization program for low-income children. In addition, Kaiser Permanente has awarded a Community Benefits Grant of $50,000 to pay for nursing staff, outreach and equipment for the immunization program. The county initially planned to cancel the program because of state funding cuts. Sacramento Bee.