Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Service Board Takes Heat as S.F. Health Costs Rise
Some San Francisco officials say that the city’s Health Service Board — which selects medical and dental plans for employees and retirees, determines the amount members pay for each plan and implements administration policies — is responsible for the rising cost of health care benefits in San Francisco because the majority of the board’s seven members are elected by city employees and retirees. Supervisor Sean Elsberand said he plans to push for changing the makeup of the board. San Francisco Chronicle.
Lawmakers Approve Billions in Spending Cuts, Avoid Tax Vote
The Legislature has approved about $7.4 billion in spending cuts to address the state budget deficit. Many health and human services programs were affected by the cuts. Lawmakers did not vote on proposed tax extensions. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Japan’s Earthquake Puts Spotlight on California Hospitals’ Seismic Safety
The earthquake that devastated Japan last week has put new attention on seismic safety standards for California hospital buildings. Sen. Elaine Alquist has introduced a bill that would make it difficult for the state to extend hospitals’ compliance deadline. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Report: Alzheimer’s Disease Takes Toll on 15M Caregivers
The number of caregivers who currently assist individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or similar forms of dementia has grown to nearly 15 million, according to a new report by the Alzheimer’s Association. The report also found that the caregivers — many of whom are family members — provide at least 17 billion hours, or roughly $202 billion, in unpaid care. USA Today, Reuters.
Group Examining Support for Health Program Eligibility
CMS is directing the Health Information Technology Policy Committee’s enrollment work group to look at models to support the online exchange of eligibility information among health and human services programs. Standardized online enrollment tools can help agencies determine eligibility for programs such as Medicaid, food stamps and welfare. Government Health IT.
Anthem, Sharp To Launch Pilot ACO in San Diego Area
Anthem Blue Cross of California, Sharp Community Medical Group and Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers recently announced plans to launch a pilot accountable care organization. The pilot will be available to small group, large group and individual Anthem PPO policyholders in the San Diego region who receive the majority of their medical care from physicians associated with Sharp HealthCare. Modern Healthcare.
MedPAC Recommends 1% Pay Increase in 2012 for Hospitals, Physicians
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is calling on Congress to approve a 1% pay boost for hospitals and physicians in fiscal year 2012. In its report, MedPAC also urges lawmakers to develop a long-term fix for the Medicare physician payment formula. MedPage Today et al.
Opinion: Cutting Emergency Services Fund Endangers EDs
Through the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund, “California’s counties collect fines and reimburse emergency and on-call physicians and hospitals for treating the uninsured,” Andrea Brault — president of the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and an emergency physician is Los Angeles County — writes in a Sacramento Bee opinion piece. Brault adds, “If the state succeeds in cutting these funds, emergency rooms throughout the state could close their doors.” She concludes, “By eliminating the Maddy Fund, the budget conference committee may be able to conserve $55 million for the general fund. But to what end?” Sacramento Bee.
State Regulators Launch Investigations of Health Net’s Security Breach
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said the Department of Insurance will investigate a data breach affecting about 845,000 current and former Health Net policyholders in California. The Department of Managed Health Care also is looking into the incident. Los Angeles Times et al.
Bills Would Adjust Rules for Physical Therapists, Trainers
Assembly member Mary Hayashi has introduced three pieces of legislation that would change health care practices relating to physical therapists and athletic trainers. AB 25 would impose more stringent rules at high school sporting events to lessen the risk of concussions, as well as set additional personnel and training requirements. AB 374 would establish a committee under the Medical Board of California to license athletic trainers. Finally, AB 783 would let medical practices employ physical therapists. Capitol Weekly.