Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial Weighs GOP Health Care Ideas in Budget Proposal
A Los Angeles Times editorial states that “House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan has a straightforward solution” to address escalating costs associated with government-administered health care programs: “Get the federal government out of the health insurance business, not just for the elderly (through Medicare) but also for the poor (through Medicaid).” The editorial discusses Ryan’s budget proposal to “start replacing Medicare in 10 years with subsidies for private insurance policies” and “to immediately convert direct federal support for Medicaid into block grants.” These proposals could “leave seniors, states and the poor more exposed to ever-higher costs,” the Times argues. However, the editorial adds that “some of Ryan’s ideas are promising,” such as reducing premium subsidies to “the wealthiest 8% of seniors to help poor recipients cover their out-of-pocket costs.” Los Angeles Times.
House Approves Ryan’s 2012 Budget Plan; Senate Unlikely To Support It
On Friday, the House passed Rep. Paul Ryan’s fiscal year 2012 budget proposal on a near party-line vote. The plan, which the Senate is not expected to pass, would give Medicare beneficiaries subsidies to purchase insurance and introduce block grants for Medicaid. Wall Street Journal et al.
Mass. Foresees Savings From Reworking Health Program
Although enrollment in Massachusetts’ Commonwealth Care program is expected to grow by 11% next year, state officials recently announced that the program is expected to save $80 million because it has renegotiated contracts with insurers. Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration asked health plans to submit bids that included lower premiums than their current rates. Insurers were able keep prices low by renegotiating with health care providers and by offering patients fewer choices of hospitals and physicians. Boston Globe, Modern Healthcare.
Congress Passes FY 2011 Budget Bill, Sends Measure to President
On Thursday, both chambers of Congress approved a measure to fund the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2011. President Obama is expected to sign the bill, which would affect some health care programs. Washington Post et al.
Thousands Seek Health Care at No-Cost Event in Oakland
From last Saturday through Tuesday, the not-for-profit Remote Area Medical hosted a no-cost medical care clinic at the Oakland Coliseum. More than 3,000 individuals received dental, medical and vision services. One physician at the clinic, Julie Forister, said that many patients she served were covered by Medicare or Medi-Cal but that budget cuts led them to forgo dental and eye care. KALW’s “Crosscurrents.”
Catholic Healthcare West Unveils Health Mapping Tool
Catholic Healthcare West has launched a new online application, called the Community Needs Index, that uses data on health disparities and hospital admissions to map regional health care needs. CHW officials said policymakers and health organizations could use the index to plan targeted public health campaigns. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Napa State Hospital Slapped With $100K in Safety Fines
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has issued six citations totaling more than $100,000 against Napa State Hospital. The fines stem from an October 2010 incident in which a patient allegedly killed a hospital employee. Workplace safety officials also claim patients were allowed to roam facility grounds without supervision. The state Department of Mental Health — which oversees Napa State Hospital and other mental health facilities — said it will appeal the citations. Los Angeles Times et al.
First 5 Los Angeles Next in Line To File Lawsuit Over Funding Shift
Los Angeles County’s First 5 commission intends to sue over the state’s plans to shift $1 billion from First 5 to health services. First 5 commissions in Fresno, Madera, Merced and Orange counties filed lawsuits earlier this month. California Watch, Woodland Daily Democrat.
New HHS Initiatives Aim To Help States Improve Medicaid Administration
HHS has announced four initiatives designed to give states more flexibility in their Medicaid programs. Under one of the initiatives, California could receive up to $1 million to improve care coordination for individuals eligible for both Medi-Cal and Medicare. CQ HealthBeat et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 15, 2011
Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta is scheduled to open today after receiving clearance from the California Department of Public Health. Meanwhile, nurses at Stanford Hospital & Clinics and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital have ratified a new labor agreement.