Latest California Healthline Stories
Calif. Hospitals Adopting New Online ED Appointment Tool
Eight hospitals in Southern California now offer InQuickER, a new online service that allows patients with nonemergency conditions to make an emergency department appointment at least two hours in advance. The service costs between $14.99 and $24.99. Patients who do not see a health worker within 15 minutes of their appointment time can receive a refund of their booking fee. Los Angeles Times.
Mortality Rates Lower at California Hospitals That Spend More, Study Finds
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine finds that the highest-spending hospitals in California achieved lower inpatient mortality rates than their lower-spending counterparts for at least six common medical conditions, including congestive heart failure. HealthLeaders Media, Reuters.
Enrollment in High-Risk Insurance Pools Jumps After Sluggish Start
Over the last 75 days, enrollment in high-risk health insurance pools has increased significantly after months of low enrollment. The high-risk pools are mandated by the health reform law and have enrolled approximately 10,000 individuals, according to HHS. Politico.
Oklahoma AG Files Lawsuit Against Health Reform Law
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt recently announced that he has filed a lawsuit in federal district court challenging the constitutionality of the federal health reform law’s individual mandate, which requires nearly all U.S. residents to obtain health coverage by 2014 or pay a penalty. The lawsuit makes Oklahoma the 28th state to file a legal challenge against the health reform law. Oklahoman.
Report: ‘Compounded’ Drugs Fueling Workers’ Comp Costs
A RAND Corporation report finds that a recent increase in prescriptions for “compounded” drugs — which generally are expensive painkiller creams — could be contributing to escalating costs in California’s workers’ compensation system. Los Angeles Times.
Report: Many Insurers Have Halted Child-Only Policies
Insurers in 34 states have discontinued offering child-only insurance policies, and 20 states now have no insurers offering such policies, according to a survey of state insurance departments conducted by Republican staff on the Senate, Health, Labor and Pensions Committee. Meanwhile, California and at least seven other states have taken regulatory or legislative action to encourage insurers to offer child-only plans. Politico.
State of the State Address Could Revisit Budget Plan
Monday evening, Gov. Brown will deliver the State of the State address, and analysts say he is likely to revisit themes from his inaugural address and budget presentation earlier this month. Observers say that the governor is unlikely to unveil ambitious new projects and that Brown has an opportunity to sway public opinion for his plans to renew tax increases. A recent Public Policy Institute of California poll found that 41% of state residents approve of the job Brown is doing, compared with 19% who disapprove and 39% who are unsure. Sacramento Bee et al.
States Weigh Medicaid Cuts Because of Budget Gaps, Lower Federal Aid
Many states are considering scaling back their Medicaid programs as they face budget shortfalls, reduced federal aid from the economic stimulus package and a required expansion of program eligibility under the health reform law. New York Times, Kaiser Health News.
CMS Initiative Will Link Incentives With Reduced Infections, Readmissions
Under the planned National Patient Safety Initiative, CMS would match $70 billion in Medicare funds over 10 years to how well hospitals meet new performance metrics. CMS’ new innovation center is developing the initiative. Inside Health Reform, Inside Health Policy.
Editorial Supports Increase in Power for Commissioner Jones
Recent rate hikes announced by major California health insurers are “making the case” that Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones should “have the authority to prevent excessive rate increases,” a San Jose Mercury News editorial argues. The editorial states, “The Legislature and the governor need to help Jones … clamp down on unreasonable health insurance hikes,” concluding, “As health care reform is implemented, the need for oversight will only increase.” San Jose Mercury News.