Latest California Healthline Stories
San Bernardino County To Launch Coverage Program
About 90,400 San Bernardino County residents are expected to be eligible for a new county program designed to expand health insurance coverage before provisions of the federal health reform law take effect in 2014. The Blue Shield of California Foundation provided the county with a $225,000 planning grant for the program, which is slated to become operational on June 1, 2011. San Bernardino County Sun.
Prime Healthcare License Upheld for Alvarado Hospital
Mark Horton, director of the state Department of Public Health, said that Prime Healthcare does not need to obtain a new operating license for Alvarado Hospital. Assembly member Marty Block and attorneys representing the Service Employees International Union had sent letters to DPH protesting Prime Healthcare’s recent acquisition of Alvarado Hospital. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Officials Scrutinize Medicaid Policy on ‘Spousal Refusal’
Spurred by the rising cost of nursing care for the elderly, an increasing number of U.S. residents are declaring “spousal refusal,” which allows sick spouses to file for Medicaid coverage if their healthy spouses stop supporting them financially. Although the practice is legal, some officials say it is being abused and should be curbed to address growing Medicaid expenses. New York Times.
Medi-Cal Cuts Affect Adult Dental Patients in California
Medi-Cal no longer covers many services for adult dental patients. As a result, some Medi-Cal patients are opting to have teeth extractions, which are paid for by Medi-Cal, rather than undergo root canals, which are not covered. AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Obama Signs Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act To Improve Child Nutrition
On Monday, President Obama signed into law legislation that aims to expand school lunch programs and replace junk food with more healthy options. The measure is part of first lady Michelle Obama’s initiative to fight childhood obesity. Washington Post, AP/Los Angeles Times.
UC Regents OK Changes to Workers’ Pensions, Retiree Health Benefits
Yesterday, the University of California’s Board of Regents approved a plan that would require UC retirees to contribute more to their retiree health benefits over time. The plan also would create a two-tier pension system for current and future employees. Sacramento Bee et al.
New Palliative Care Program Targets Chinese Americans
Next month, a new palliative care program designed for Chinese Americans will launch at about 20 hospices in the state. The program will train volunteers to provide care that is culturally and linguistically sensitive. The initiative is a collaboration between the Chinese American Coalition for Compassionate Care and the California HealthCare Foundation. San Jose Mercury News.
Judge Strikes Down Insurance Mandate in Health Reform Law
A federal judge in Virginia has ruled that the health reform law’s individual mandate to purchase insurance is unconstitutional. Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says he will try to fast-track the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. New York Times et al.
Baby Boomers Likely To See Major Benefits From Reform Law, Study Finds
A study by the Commonwealth Fund finds that U.S. residents between ages 50 and 64 could benefit greatly from the federal health reform law because such residents increasingly are losing their health coverage and facing chronic health problems. CQ HealthBeat, Modern Healthcare.
Poizner Blocks PacifiCare From Paying Dividend, Cites Possible Penalties
Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has issued an order blocking PacifiCare from paying a $120 million dividend to its parent company. Poizner said the insurer might need the funds to pay penalties for mishandling claims. Sacramento Business Journal, Minneapolis Star Tribune.