Latest California Healthline Stories
‘Doc Fix’ Would Restore Rx Discounts for Kids’ Hospitals
The bill passed by the Senate last night to delay scheduled Medicare physician payment cuts includes a provision that would allow children’s hospitals to continue receiving large discounts for so-called “orphan drugs,” which treat rare medical conditions. An unintentional drafting error in the federal health reform law cut children’s hospitals out of the discount program. Boston Globe, New York Times.
Blue Shield Foundation Awards $1.7M To Help Boost Health Coverage
The Blue Shield of California Foundation’s new grants aim to help 10 counties expand health care coverage. The foundation said the grants could help counties draw down federal funds under the new Medi-Cal waiver. Stockton Record, Blue Shield of California Foundation release.
Op-Ed: Follow Through on Significant Health Reform
“California was the first state to establish a framework for an insurance exchange” as called for under the federal health reform law, and the state “also established new requirements for regulatory review of health plan” rates, Patrick Johnston — president and CEO of the California Association of Health Plans — writes in a Capitol Weekly opinion piece. Johnston adds that in 2011, “the health care community and policymakers should focus their efforts on making sure the new laws meet the promise of access to quality health care for all.” Capitol Weekly.
House Passes Measure With Health-Related Funding Increases
The House has passed a continuing resolution to set federal spending for fiscal year 2011. The measure includes increased funding for Medicare-related expenses and health reform implementation, as well as food safety legislation. Wall Street Journal et al.
State Rejects Application for License by Adult Film Clinic
The California Department of Public Health has denied an Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation application to operate as a community clinic. The clinic applied for the license in June because regulators notified clinic officials that a license was required to stay in operation. It remains unclear what effect the state’s rejection of the license request will have on the foundation. Los Angeles Times.
Regulators Taking Fewer Actions Against Insurers, but Levying Higher Fines
The California Department of Managed Health Care has taken fewer enforcement actions against health plans this year than it did in 2009. However, the total financial burden of this year’s penalties is expected to be about twice as high as it was last year. Payers & Providers.
Brown Convenes Summit To Lay Out Facts on State Budget Gap
Yesterday, Gov.-elect Jerry Brown presented state lawmakers and local government officials with data about California’s fiscal situation. Brown did not reveal any specific details about his plans to address the state’s budget deficit. Sacramento Bee et al.
Senate Approves Bill To Put Off 25% Cut in Doctors’ Medicare Pay
On Wednesday, the Senate passed legislation that would delay for one year a 25% cut in Medicare payments scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2011. The House is expected to pass the measure by the end of the week, and President Obama says he will sign it. Reuters et al.
Medical Center Reaffirms Stance on Language Policy
Delano Regional Medical Center is defending its English-only policy after a group of employees filed a lawsuit claiming that Filipino workers were unfairly targeted by the hospital’s enforcement of the rule. The hospital said the lawsuit’s allegations are baseless and could jeopardize patient care. AP/Ventura County Star.
UC-Berkeley Nabs Grant for Center on Cancer Disparities
The National Cancer Institute has provided UC-Berkeley with a $788,830 grant to fund the first year of operations at a new Community Networks Program Center. The center aims to bring together academic researchers, community organizations and health care providers to address disparities in cancer rates. San Jose Mercury News.