Latest California Healthline Stories
Details Emerge on Ventura County’s Medicare Plans
Private insurance companies that offer Medicare prescription drug coverage recently announced details of the plans and premiums they will offer in Ventura County. Katharine Raley of the Ventura County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program said premiums for SCAN’s Medicare plan have increased, while several other Medicare plan premiums have remained stable. Ventura County Star.
Obama Administration Clarifies Tax-Reporting Provision in Reform Law
The White House is explaining that a provision in the federal health reform law that requires the Internal Revenue Service to report the value of employer-provided insurance does not mean that such coverage will be taxed. Wall Street Journal‘s “Washington Wire” et al.
State Budget Includes Allocation for Medical School at UC-Riverside
California’s budget package includes $10 million for UC-Riverside’s medical school as part of a $199 million increase in general fund support for the University of California. The medical school is expected to accept its first students in 2012. Riverside Press-Enterprise, KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Insurance Denials Based on Pre-Existing Medical Conditions on the Rise
Between 2007 and 2009, the number of insurance applications rejected because of a pre-existing condition jumped by almost 50%, according to a congressional report. The report also finds that four large health insurers turned away about 651,000 applicants during the three-year period. CongressDaily et al.
Mitch Katz Gets Nod To Head Up Los Angeles Health Dept.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to offer Mitch Katz, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, the position as leader of Los Angeles County’s health services department. The vote authorizes county CEO William Fujioka to negotiate a salary and benefits package for Katz, who said he plans to accept the position. Los Angeles Times.
Columnist: Industry Funding Persists in Commissioner Race
In the race for insurance commissioner, both Assembly members Dave Jones and Mike Villines have accepted money from groups with ties to the insurance industry, according to Sacramento Bee senior editor Dan Morain. “In recent weeks, the industry has spend hundreds of thousands and maybe millions to help Villines” and the Chamber of Commerce “started airing ads attacking Jones,” Morain writes, adding that Jones has collected funds “from several law firms that count insurance to be a specialty.” Sacramento Bee.
FDA-Approved Human Trial Begins for Stem Cell Therapy
Geron Corporation recently launched a study on the effect of human embryonic stem cells on spinal cord injuries in a human patient, marking the first time scientists have tested the therapy on a person in a government-approved trial. The therapy has been tested in animals, but FDA did not approve its use in humans until July. AP/Chicago Tribune et al.
Infection Cases Prompting Fraud Concerns at Calif. Hospital Chain
The unusually high rate of septicemia infections reported at hospitals run by Prime Healthcare Services has prompted concerns that the hospital chain might be improperly inflating diagnoses to receive higher Medicare payments. Los Angeles Times.
Physician Shortage Concerns Persist for Medi-Cal Program
California’s Legislature has approved legislation that would expand indigent health care services and draw down about $10 billion in federal funding for Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program, but concerns remain over the number of health care providers needed to care for thousands of new patients. Some experts say the funding could encourage more physicians to accept low-income, uninsured patients. KQED’s “The California Report.”
State Officials Could Have Significant Power Over Health Law’s Fate
Governors, attorneys general and other state-level officials have considerable leverage in directing the implementation of the health reform law. State officials can reject federal funding for the overhaul, as well as block the creation of state-based exchanges. Politico et al.