Latest California Healthline Stories
Officials Look to Utah, Massachusetts as Models for Insurance Exchanges
Federal and state officials are turning to Massachusetts and Utah as examples for state-based insurance exchanges that are mandated under the health reform law. States are concerned about determining user eligibility for insurance programs and associated costs. Politico.
Largest Workers’ Comp Insurer Plans 5.2% Rate Increase for Next Year
California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund aims to raise rates by 5.2% for policies renewed or started after Jan. 1. Meanwhile, a new survey ranks California’s workers’ compensation system as the fifth costliest in the country. Orange County Register, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Move to Accountable Care Raises Questions About Costs
Sutter Health is working to transition to an accountable care model, which aims to coordinate care among hospitals, primary care physicians and specialists, but some patient advocates are concerned about the increasing power Sutter has to negotiate prices. Sutter President and CEO Patrick Fry discusses the hospital system’s prices, expansion plans and patient population. Kaiser Health News/KQED’s “The California Report.”
San Bernardino County Plans for Network on Stroke Care
Emergency medical service administrators in San Bernardino County are developing plans to create a network of stroke specialty care centers by July 2011. The network would link hospitals that have expertise in stroke treatment with emergency service providers. Los Angeles and Orange counties rolled out similar stroke treatment networks last year. Redlands Daily Facts.
Columnist Critiques UC Plan To Improve Pension System
“Since 1962, [the University of California] has promised health care coverage to retired workers,” but “rather than set aside money to cover the costs, the university has only paid the health insurance premiums when they come due,” columnist Daniel Borenstein writes in a Contra Costa Times opinion piece. Borenstein writes that UC President Mark Yudof “is timidly fiddling on the margins” in his proposal to adjust the pension plan, which “is underfunded by at least $6.3 billion.” Borenstein argues that the proposal is “really only a miniscule down payment on a huge debt.” Contra Costa Times.
HHS Adjusts Rules for ‘Grandfathered’ Health Plans Under Reform Law
HHS’ newly revised guidelines state that businesses can change health insurance plans and still retain “grandfather” status under the federal health reform law as long as the change does not significantly affect benefits or costs. CQ HealthBeat, Wall Street Journal.
AMA Releases Principles on Establishing Effective ACOs
During a meeting last week in San Diego, the American Medical Association released a set of principles aimed at hospitals and physicians seeking to form accountable care organizations. The principles call for ACOs to be physician-led, patient-centered and guarantee voluntary participation by physicians and patients. HealthLeaders Media.
New Website Offers Health Data on Pasadena Region
Huntington Memorial Hospital has partnered with the Healthy Communities Initiative to launch a new website featuring data on cancer, diabetes and obesity rates in the Pasadena region. The Healthy Pasadena site also offers articles on local health care news. Payers & Providers.
S.F. Mayor Vetoes Plan To Prohibit Toys in Fast Food
On Friday, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would prohibit fast-food establishments from including toys in children’s meals unless they meet certain nutritional requirements. The measure was approved by the Board of Supervisors 8-3, which is the minimum amount of votes needed to override a veto. Supervisors have not scheduled an override vote. San Francisco Chronicle, NPR’s “Weekend Edition Saturday.”
Budget To Face Strain as Stimulus Funds Run Dry, Health Reform Starts Up
The economic stimulus package raised the federal matching rate for Medi-Cal, but the rate will go back down next year. In addition, implementing the federal health reform law might require the state to expend new resources. “California Watch Blog,” San Francisco Chronicle.