Latest California Healthline Stories
NQF Releases 21 Nursing Home Quality Measures
The National Quality Forum recently released 21 nursing home quality measures that will take the place of 17 existing quality measures. According to NQF, the new measures aim to address “falls, infections, pressure ulcers and the general health of residents and patients.” The measures also will be included as part of CMS’ Nursing Home Compare website. Modern Healthcare.
Hospital Costs Higher in Northern California Counties, Analysis Finds
A Los Angeles Times analysis finds that hospitalization costs in Northern California are significantly higher than such costs in Southern California. Experts say a consolidation of health systems in the North could play a role in the price difference. Los Angeles Times.
Launch of Ventura County’s New Medi-Cal Plan Delayed
On Thursday, the California Department of Health Care Services delayed from May 1 to July 1 the launch of Ventura County’s restructured Medi-Cal managed care plan. The plan, which will be run by the Gold Coast Health Plan, aims to cover about 110,000 low-income and disabled residents who are covered by Medi-Cal. Officials delayed the launch of the plan because of concerns about the finalization of Gold Coast’s provider network and the system’s financial viability. The state also has asked Gold Coast to pursue contracts with one more hospital, more long-term care facilities and several more specialty physicians. Ventura County Star.
Assembly OKs Tax Exemption for Coverage of Adult Children
On Thursday, the Assembly unanimously approved a bill that would exempt the amount paid for health coverage for employees’ adult children from being taxed. The legislation aligns California’s tax code with federal rules. If the Senate approves the bill and Gov. Brown signs it into law, California would lose $40 million in tax revenue. AP/Ventura County Star.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 4, 2011
Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center recently became the first hospital to receive a loan through a Department of Housing and Urban Development program. Meanwhile, inspection delays have postponed the planned opening of Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta.
House Approves Repeal of Reform Law’s 1099 Tax-Reporting Provision
Yesterday, the House passed a bill that would repeal the 1099 tax-reporting requirement in the federal health reform law. However, the Senate is unlikely to take up the measure because it prefers a different strategy for offsetting the cost of the repeal. Wall Street Journal et al.
Editorial: Give Agencies Power To Reject Premium Hikes
A San Francisco Chronicle editorial argues that the Legislature should approve a bill, by Assembly member Mike Feuer, that would give the insurance commissioner the power to reject health plan premium increases. The editorial also argues that the legislation should be amended to give the same power to the Department of Managed Health Care. It concludes, “Californians deserve to have reasonable prices for health care. These increases are not.” San Francisco Chronicle.
S.F. Workers’ Health Costs To Hit Nearly $700M in 2012
The total cost of health insurance for San Francisco city employees, retirees and their families is expected to hit $693.7 million next year, a 3.1% increase from this year, according to the San Francisco Health Service System. San Francisco will cover about $615 million of that amount, and city employees and retirees will pay for the remaining share. San Francisco Chronicle‘s “City Insider.”
Judge Allows Reform Rollout To Continue as DOJ Pursues Appeal
On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson issued a stay of his earlier ruling, allowing implementation of the federal health reform law to continue. He also ordered the Obama administration to file its appeal within seven days. New York Times, Washington Post.
Joint Committee Passes Budget Plan, Paves Way for Floor Votes
Yesterday, a two-house conference committee approved a budget plan that includes significant cuts to some health care programs. The panel’s vote will allow the full Assembly and Senate to vote on the proposal as soon as next week. Sacramento Bee et al.