Latest California Healthline Stories
New Medical Worker Union Withdraws From Elections
The National Union of Healthcare Workers has withdrawn from unionization votes at San Francisco-based Chinese Hospital and Enloe Medical Center in Chico. Meanwhile, the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West has been certified as the winner in a union representation election at the Pradap Poddatoori nursing home chain. Payers & Providers.
Mental Health Care Providers Brace for Medicaid Expansion
Mental health care providers across the country are expressing concern that the expansion of Medicaid under the health reform law will lead to higher patient loads that could strain their resources. In addition, hospitals, physicians, nurses and health care advocates are worried that existing medical facilities will not be able to support an expansion of mental health services. Washington Post.
Advocates Worried Over HIV Case in Adult Film Industry
The Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation recently disclosed that an adult film performer has tested positive for HIV, leading many HIV/AIDS advocates to express concern about the lack of condom use in the industry. Two adult film production companies temporarily have suspended filming while officials monitor the situation. Los Angeles Times, AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
State Officials, Health System React to Report on Infections
State Department of Public Health officials plan to investigate reports of high rates of septicemia infections, or blood poisoning, at Prime Healthcare hospitals. Investigators say they will examine patient records and hospital efforts to control infections. Prime Healthcare officials say the analysis on the number of hospital infections — which was compiled by the Services Employees International Union — relies on patients’ conditions when they arrive at an emergency department and not on conditions patients might acquire at a hospital. “California Watch Blog,” Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
Los Angeles Prosecutors Claim WellPoint Misled Public About Rescissions
The Los Angeles city attorney’s office alleges that WellPoint misled the public earlier this year when it denied reports that it targeted women with breast cancer for coverage rescissions. The insurer said the allegations are misguided and inaccurate. Los Angeles Times.
Labor Unions Keep Close Eye on Election for Next Insurance Commissioner
Some labor unions are seeking an ally in California’s Department of Insurance, partially because the next insurance commissioner is expected to play a key role in implementing a health insurance exchange under the federal health reform law. Capitol Weekly, Los Angeles Times.
Federal Officials Identify Largest Medicare Fraud Operation in History
U.S. prosecutors have charged 73 individuals of attempting to defraud Medicare out of $163 million through false claims. Officials say the nationwide investigation is the largest case of fraud in the history of Medicare. AP/Chicago Tribune, New York Times.
Health Cuts in Budget Package Could Face Legal Challenges
Advocates and attorneys could challenge some cuts included in California’s budget package, such as a Medi-Cal rate freeze and changes to mental health services for special education students. Los Angeles Daily Journal, KPCC’s “Patt Morrison.”
Mariposa Medical District Receives Elderly Care Grant
The California Wellness Foundation has awarded a three-year, $150,000 grant to Mariposa-based John C. Fremont Healthcare District to help provide medical services to the area’s elderly population. Charles Bill — CEO of the district — said part of the funding will be put toward educating the public about health issues and diseases such as diabetes, as well as toward the creation of a diabetes management clinic. Merced Sun-Star.
Spending on Long-Term Care Accounts for Large Share of Medicare Costs
Medicare beneficiaries who live in long-term care facilities have high rates of emergency department visits, hospitalization and skilled nursing care, all of which account for a large share of Medicare spending, according to research from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Kaiser Health News.