Latest California Healthline Stories
House Moves Forward on Measures To Hinder Funding for Reform Law
On Friday, the House approved a federal spending bill that included GOP-sponsored amendments designed to block funding for the implementation of the federal health reform law. Observers say the legislation likely will not advance through the Senate. CQ Today et al.
U.S. Residents Growing More Optimistic To Pay for Care
Americans are more confident in their ability to pay for health care services in the coming months — particularly elective surgeries — than they were during the previous few months, according to a Thomson Reuters survey. According to Thomson Reuters, the uptick in confidence could be related to respondents rebounding from tighter budgets around the holiday season. Reuters.
Anthem Awards $430K Grant To Address Childhood Obesity
Anthem Blue Cross of California has awarded a $432,892 grant to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to help curb childhood obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles. Officials say the grant will allow 3,500 California children to participate in the clubs’ Triple Play program, which aims to encourage children to eat healthier foods, be more physically active and engage in healthier relationships. Nationwide, Anthem health plans aim to donate $5 million to the program. Payers & Providers.
111 Health Providers Charged With Medicare Fraud Totaling $225M
In a nationwide bust that led to the most arrests in Medicare’s history, the Department of Justice charged 111 individuals with Medicare fraud, totaling more than $225 million. The arrests were made in nine cities, including Los Angeles. AP/Washington Post, CQ HealthBeat.
Assembly Democrats Likely To Reject Some Cuts in Budget Plan
On Friday, the Assembly Budget Committee is expected to approve some spending cuts proposed by Gov. Brown, but committee members likely will reject proposals to set limits on doctor visits and prescription drugs for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Sacramento Bee.
House Expected To Vote on Measures To Remove Reform Law Funding
On Friday, the House is expected to vote on amendments to a government spending bill that would take away funds for the health reform law. Meanwhile, California lawmakers say the spending bill has negative consequences for health-related programs in the state. Washington Post‘s “44” et al.
Insurance Commissioner Probing Doctors’ Rates for Medical Malpractice
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is asking medical malpractice insurers to lower rates paid by health care providers. Some insurers in the state have spent as little as 2% of collected premiums to pay out claims. Sacramento Business Journal, AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Four States’ Insurers Receive ‘Essential Benefits’ Waivers
On Wednesday, the Obama administration granted waivers to health insurers in four states to exempt them from having to comply with a requirement under the federal health reform law that they offer at least $750,000 in “essential benefits,” such as hospital care, physician services and prescription drugs. The waivers exempt 900 health plans covering 2.4 million U.S. residents in Florida, New Jersey, Ohio and Tennessee. New York Times.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 18, 2011
Hundred of nurses are threatening to strike for the first time in more than 20 years at the Kaiser Permanente-Los Angeles Medical Center. Meanwhile, two Southwest Healthcare System facilities have unveiled emergency department and delivery room expansions after a two-year delay.
Most Oppose GOP Efforts To Defund Reform Law, Poll Finds
A new CBS poll found that 55% of U.S. residents disapprove of Republican proposals to defund the federal health reform law, while 35% approve of the plans. The poll also found that 33% of residents approve of the federal health care reform law, while 51% disapprove of it. The poll, conducted between Feb. 11 and Feb. 14, surveyed 1,031 U.S. adults. CBS News’ “Political Hotsheet.”