Latest California Healthline Stories
Obama Supports Giving States More Flexibility in Reform Law
Yesterday, President Obama told a bipartisan group of governors that he supports legislation that would let states obtain waivers from certain health reform provisions in 2014 — three years earlier than the reform law currently allows. Washington Post et al.
Brown Continues To Stump for GOP Support for Budget Proposal
Gov. Brown continues to seek Republican support for his budget proposal, which would cut spending and extend temporary tax increases. However, some experts say Brown needs only a simple majority to put the tax extension proposal on a June ballot. KPCC’s “KPCC News”
Supreme Court To Hear Case on Medical Research Patents
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear opening oral arguments in a case involving Stanford University and pharmaceutical firm Roche over patent rights on inventions that arise from federally funded research. A decision in the case is expected in June. San Jose Mercury News.
Sebelius Seeks To Calm Governors on Health Law
In a recent letter responding to criticism from Republican governors that the federal health reform law is too costly and complex, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius emphasized that the overhaul offers flexibility. The letter — which was released on Friday, the day before the National Governors Association winter meeting begins in Washington, D.C. — noted that the reform law allows states to pick which insurers will operate in their states and to decide which health insurance plans will be sold. Kaiser Health News.
Governors Call for More Flexibility on Medicaid Amid Budget Shortfalls
Some Republican governors are pushing for a Medicaid grant system that would replace the program’s federal matching fund system. Meanwhile, some Democratic governors said grants might provide states with too much freedom to limit Medicaid benefits. Washington Post et al.
Care Collaboration Helps Cut Costs, Pilot Program Shows
Blue Shield of California, Catholic Healthcare West and Hill Physicians Medical Group announced that a 12-month care collaboration pilot program targeting 41,000 CalPERS members in the Sacramento area saved up $20 million in health care costs. The pilot program reduced unnecessary hospital readmissions by 22% and cut the length of stay in hospitals by 12.9%. Sacramento Business Journal.
Study Finds Regional Variation in Medicare Elective Surgery Rates
A Dartmouth Atlas Project study finds that patient location and physician preferences could affect whether Medicare beneficiaries undergo elective surgery. The study includes findings on procedure rates in San Luis Obispo and San Jose. HealthLeaders Media et al.
Federal Judge To Rule on Motion To Block Medi-Cal Rate Freeze
This week, a District Court judge is expected to rule on the California Hospital Association’s motion to block a planned freeze on Medi-Cal reimbursement rates for inpatient care. The freeze initially was slated to take effect on February 1. Sacramento Bee.
GOP-Led States Eye Compacts, Nullification To Block Health Reform
States that oppose the federal health reform law are considering various strategies to block its implementation. Such strategies include forming interstate compacts that have the force of federal law and passing legislation that would nullify the reform law. Washington Times, USA Today.
Opinion: Derailing Health Law Would Hurt Californians
Efforts in Congress to repeal the federal health reform law or cut funding for its implementation represent “nothing less than an attack” on California’s “most vulnerable citizens,” Frank Alvarez — commander of the American GI Forum — and Carla Saporta — manager of the health program at the Greenlining Institute — write in a Modesto Bee opinion piece. They add, “Like any law passed by Congress, the Affordable Care Act isn’t perfect, but it will do a lot to help working Americans and small businesses cope with the cost of medical care.” Modesto Bee.