Latest California Healthline Stories
Premiums for Medicare Part D Rx Plans To Rise by 10%, Study Finds
A new study released by the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit premiums will increase by an average of 10% and that the number of available plans will decline by one-third nationally. A recent Avalere Health study also predicted a rise in premiums for Part D plans. CQ HealthBeat.
Editorial Questions Elements of Reported Budget Deal
An Orange County Register editorial argues that “[c]elebration” over news that legislative leaders have reached a deal to close the state’s $19 billion deficit “may be premature.” It continues, “We’re skeptical that the budget terms Democrats and Republican leaders reportedly agreed to behind closed doors will stand up, particularly once partisan die-hards and affected constituencies began chipping away.” Orange County Register.
San Mateo County Nabs $2M Federal Mental Health Grant
San Mateo County has received a $2 million grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to improve primary care and behavioral health services for people facing mental health issues or substance abuse problems. Over the next four years, the county will implement the grant funding in partnership with the College of San Mateo, Health Plan of San Mateo, San Mateo Medical Center, Stanford University and UC-San Francisco. San Francisco Business Times.
Health Care Providers, Insurers Raise Questions, Concerns About ACOs
Health care providers say accountable care organizations might raise new legal concerns, while insurers are worried that ACOs could increase health care costs. The Federal Trade Commission says it will look into creating new antitrust safe harbors and an expedited review process. Kaiser Health News, Modern Healthcare.
S.F. Panel Gives Preliminary OK to Fast-Food Toy Ban
On Monday, a San Francisco Board of Supervisors committee voted 3-0 to give preliminary approval to a measure that would prohibit fast-food restaurants from including toys in unhealthy meals for children. Under the proposal, toys would be allowed only in meals that include a half-cup each of fruit and vegetables and limited sugar, sodium and fat. The measure now goes to the full Board of Supervisors. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
State Supreme Court: Gov. Can Use Line-Item Veto To Trim Spending
In a ruling issued on Monday, the California Supreme Court said that the state’s governor has the authority to exercise line-item vetoes to further reduce spending for state programs. Last year, Gov. Schwarzenegger cut spending for health care and social services programs. Sacramento Bee et al.
Website Offers Guidance on Health Reform in California
When Gov. Schwarzenegger signed legislation to establish the California Health Benefit Exchange, he also touted a new website that aims to help state residents understand forthcoming changes sparked by the federal health reform law. The governor said the website will offer comprehensive information on how California is implementing various provisions of the federal health care overhaul. Sacramento Business Journal.
Enrollment Figures Low for High-Risk Pools in California, Nationwide
Fewer residents than expected have signed up for the high-risk health insurance pools established under the federal health reform law. California’s high-risk pool has the funds to cover about 20,000 residents, but it has received fewer than 450 applications. AP/Boston Globe.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for September 2010
Last week, Earl Greenia was selected for a post as CEO of Gold Coast Health Plan, which will serve as Ventura County’s locally administered Medi-Cal managed care program. Meanwhile, Molly Coye has started a new position as chief innovation officer at UCLA Health System.
Appellate Court Ruling Says District Court Must Revisit Medicare Lawsuit
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that a district court must revisit a 2007 lawsuit claiming that federal reimbursement formulas for Medicare are outdated and have negatively affected patient care in seven California counties. Santa Cruz Sentinel.