Latest California Healthline Stories
Report: Reform Law’s Spending Caps To Benefit Calif. Residents
This year, more than 1.9 million Californians are likely to pay higher out-of-pocket medical costs than they would if the federal health reform law’s spending caps were in place, according to a Families USA report. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Company” et al.
Urgent Care Franchise Opens Two Locations in San Diego
The country’s only for-profit national urgent care franchise has opened two offices in San Diego County since November 2010. The company, Doctors Express, provides another option for patients who are sick or injured but do not need to visit a hospital emergency department. San Diego has a number of other urgent care centers, most of which are run by large medical groups. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Review Finds Blue Shield’s Planned Rate Hikes To Be Reasonable
A review by an independent consultant finds that Blue Shield of California’s planned rate hikes for nearly 200,000 policyholders are reasonable and fair. However, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones expressed skepticism about the new report. Los Angeles Times.
Opinion: Brown Stressing Urgency of Budget Situation
During a recent legislative hearing, Gov. Brown warned that if his plan to put tax extensions on a June ballot fails, he “will answer with an all-cuts budget that will erase the deficit,” Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Morain writes. Morain adds, “Some Capitol denizens dismissed Brown’s appearance as a stunt. Some saw it as a sign of desperation. They were right. But given the situation, there’s nothing wrong with feeling a little bit desperate about the state of California.” Sacramento Bee.
States Can Raise CHIP Rates Charged to Parents, CMS Says
In a letter to state Medicaid directors, Cindy Mann — director of the CMS Center for Medicaid, CHIP, and Survey and Certification — wrote that states can raise the amount parents pay to cover their children under the Children’s Health Insurance Program without losing federal Medicaid matching funds. In addition, states can drop other beneficiaries included in the Section 1115 demonstration projects after their authorized waivers expire without penalties, according to the letter. Modern Healthcare.
Ad Campaign Blasts Planned Adult Day Health Care Cuts
Advocates for eldercare services have launched a television advertisement campaign against Gov. Brown’s plan to eliminate adult day health care services. The advertisements argue that Brown’s plan will force many seniors into institutions, which could drive up health care costs for the state. Sacramento Bee.
Health Inspectors Find Numerous Problems at UC-Irvine Dialysis Center
During a surprise inspection in November 2010, state health inspectors found serious patient safety issues at UC-Irvine’s dialysis center that could jeopardize Medicare funding. Officials at the center say they have taken steps to address the issues. Los Angeles Times et al.
Kaiser Nurses in Los Angeles Gearing Up To Hold Strike
More than
1,000 registered nurses at Kaiser Permanente’s Los Angeles Medical Center have
threatened to hold a one-day strike at the facility on Wednesday if they fail
to reach an agreement with hospital management. The nurses, represented by the
National Union of Healthcare Workers, said their primary concern is related to
inadequate staffing levels. Sacramento Business Journal, Becker’s Hospital Review.
ACO Regulations Could Remain Stalled Amid National Budget Battle
A protracted U.S. budget deadlock and a possible shutdown of the federal government could hinder CMS’ ability to release proposed rules on how accountable care organizations can qualify for a federal shared savings program in 2012. National Journal Daily, Health Data Management.
UCSF Nabs $48M for Lung Cancer Studies, Treatment
UC-San Francisco has received a $48 million gift to study and treat interstitial lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other lung conditions. The gift comes from the estate of philanthropist Nina Ireland, whose previous gifts to UCSF established a laboratory of developmental biology, a professorship in child psychiatry and a professorship in pulmonary medicine. San Francisco Business Times.