Latest California Healthline Stories
Op-Ed: Safety-Net Coalition Working To Broaden Services
The federal health reform law will make Medi-Cal available for “at least 8,000” individuals in Santa Cruz County, Rama Khalsa — health director for Santa Cruz County — and Pat Meehan — medical director of the Santa Cruz Women’s Health Center — write in a Santa Cruz Sentinel opinion piece. They write that the county’s Safety Net Clinic Coalition “just released a Report to the Community that outlines a new vision to effectively serve all those newly eligible, potentially high-need patients.” They conclude, “[O]ur vision for an effective safety-net system of care can help ensure a stronger, healthier community for all.” Santa Cruz Sentinel.
U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Medical Research Patent Case
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court said it will consider a case involving Stanford University and drugmaker Roche Holding AG. The case involves patent rights over ways to test AIDS treatments, which the university says were developed by a Stanford researcher. The court is expected to hear arguments in early 2011 and rule on the case by June. San Jose Mercury News, Bloomberg.
S.F. Pension Measure Fails; Health Board Provision Passes
On Tuesday, voters in San Francisco rejected Proposition B, which would have increased contributions by city employees toward their pension and health care benefits. Voters approved Proposition F, which will adjust the number of elections for the Health Service Board from four elections every five years to two every five years. San Francisco Chronicle.
CMS Posts Final Payment Rules for Physicians and Outpatient Care in 2011
CMS has released final rules governing 2011 Medicare payment rates for hospital, physician, home health care, and outpatient services. Doctors are concerned about a planned 25% cut to reimbursements if Congress does not act on the issue this month. CQ HealthBeat et al.
San Francisco Supervisors Advance Fast-Food Toy Ban
On Tuesday, San Francisco supervisors voted 8-3 to grant preliminary approval to legislation that would ban toys in fast-food meals unless they contain fruit and vegetables, and less fat, salt and sugar content. The board will have a final vote next week. If approved, the measure would take effect in December 2011. San Francisco Chronicle.
Kaiser Permanente Awards 792 Q3 Grants Totaling $16M
On Tuesday, Kaiser Permanente announced that it distributed 792 grants worth about $16 million during the third quarter. Kaiser said the grants helped fund initiatives to combat effects of the recession, promote healthy eating and dental care, and encourage physical activity. San Francisco Business Times.
California Voters Elect Brown, Other Democrats to Key Posts
Yesterday, Democrat Jerry Brown won the state’s gubernatorial election. California voters also re-elected incumbent Sen. Barbara Boxer and selected Assembly member Dave Jones to serve as the state’s next insurance commissioner. Los Angeles Times et al.
More Small Businesses To Provide Health Coverage to Employees
The number of small businesses offering health insurance has increased this year in part because the health reform law provides small businesses with a health insurance tax credit. About four million small businesses could quality for the credit. Wall Street Journal.
Riverside County Seeks Ways To Adjust Medi-Cal Enrollment Procedures
Since 2004, Riverside County has failed to meet national standards for the processing of Medi-Cal applications. Some observers foresee more problems dealing with an expected influx of Medi-Cal applicants under the health reform law. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Insurance Commissioner Posts To Wield Power Over Health Overhaul
Many states, including California, will elect or appoint insurance commissioners through Tuesday’s elections, and they will be tasked with implementing key provisions of health reform. NPR/Kaiser Health News, San Francisco Chronicle.