Latest California Healthline Stories
State Unveils Data on Inpatient Mortality at California Hospitals
A new study finds that most California hospitals ranked average on inpatient mortality rates for most of 12 conditions studied. In 2009, 119 of 335 hospitals ranked “better” than the statewide mortality rate for at least one condition. Contra Costa Times et al.
Jones Calls for Blue Shield To Delay Planned Rate Increases
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones asked Blue Shield of California to postpone new premium hikes for at least 60 days after they are scheduled to take effect on March 1 so state officials can review the planned increases. Los Angeles Times et al.
Report: Health Spending in 2009 Grew at Slower Pace Due to Recession
A Health Affairs report finds that U.S. health care spending in 2009 increased by 4% to $2.5 trillion, a drop of 0.7 percentage points from 2008, largely because of effects from the recession. Health spending accounted for 17.6% of U.S. gross domestic product in 2009. Reuters et al.
HHS Places New Office of Insurance Oversight Under Authority of CMS
HHS plans to move control of its new Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight to CMS as more provisions of the health reform law are implemented. The restructuring could be part of Democratic efforts to combat a GOP push to repeal the law. NPR’s “Shots” et al.
California, Other States Nearing End of Federal Stimulus Package Aid
Fiscal challenges are expected to continue plaguing many states as funds from the 2009 federal economic stimulus package run out. About half of the stimulus funds that California has spent so far have gone to Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Blue Shield Pursues Rate Hikes of Up to 59% for Individual Plans
Blue Shield of California is seeking successive rate hikes that could total as much as 59% for individual policyholders. The insurer said the proposed increases stem in part from rising health care costs. Los Angeles Times, AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
SCAN Health Plan Program Focuses on Rehospitalizations
SCAN Health Plan is partnering with the Lakewood IPA and Dovetail Health, a Massachusetts managed care company, to launch a two-year pilot program targeting avoidable hospital readmissions for Medicare beneficiaries. The Healthy Transitions program will focus on beneficiaries who take an average of 12 medications. Payers & Providers.
Many Medicare Enrollees Not Signing Up for Rx Discounts
More than two million eligible Medicare beneficiaries have not enrolled in a program called Extra Help that could save them an average of $3,900 in annual drug costs, despite federal efforts to promote the program. The program helps beneficiaries reduce their prescription drug costs through Medicare Part D. About 10 million of the 25 million Part D beneficiaries participate in the program, and about eight million of those were enrolled automatically. Kaiser Health News.
Catholic Healthcare West To Grant $1.2M to Calif. Groups
On Thursday, Catholic Healthcare West will award about $1.2 million in grants to 35 not-for-profit organizations across four California counties. The grants — which range from $5,000 to $50,000 — will support services such as mental health counseling and chronic disease management. Sacramento Bee.
CalPERS Partners With UCSF on Avoidable Complications
CalPERS is teaming up with UC-San Francisco to study how to reduce potentially avoidable health complications associated with chronic conditions, surgeries and acute medical events. The pilot program launches this month and will run for one year. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”