Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial Supports Legislation for Maternity Care Coverage
A California bill that would require individual health insurance plans to cover maternity care has advanced to the desk of Gov. Schwarzenegger, but “supporters fear it could meet the same fate” as three similar bills the governor vetoed in 2004, 2008 and 2009, a Los Angeles Times editorial states. The bill would require maternity coverage to be included in any policy issued or renewed after July 2011, which would raise “premiums for individual policies by an estimated $8.50 per month,” the editorial continues, adding that the increase is “far less than women seeking coverage from” Anthem Blue Cross or a state program called Access for Infants and Mothers would pay. Los Angeles Times.
Insurers Announce Plans To Stop Writing Policies for Child-Only Coverage
Many large health insurance companies are preparing to stop writing plans specifically for children, despite a provision in the health reform bill that requires insurers to accept all children regardless of pre-existing medical conditions. Washington Post et al.
Blue Shield of California Ends One-Year Health Plan Rate Guarantees
Beginning Oct. 1, Blue Shield of California no longer will provide 12-month premium guarantees for new individual and family health plans. The move will allow the insurer to adjust rates as needed, but all changes will require state approval. Sacramento Business Journal.
HHS Announces Grants To Boost Health Care Work Force
Last week, HHS announced more than $130 million in grants to help strengthen the country’s health care work force. The grants aim to support primary care work force training, oral health work force training, equipment purchases, student loan repayment, educational programs and chronic disease management initiatives. A portion of the funding comes from the 2009 federal economic stimulus package. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
State Struggles To Expand Kids’ Coverage Amid Budget Strain
Although HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently challenged states to enroll more children in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, California’s ongoing budget impasse is impeding its efforts to do so. American Medical News et al.
Democrats, Republicans Seek Reasons Behind Hikes in Premium Costs
Senate Democrats have sent a letter asking several large insurers about how they set rates for health insurance premiums. Meanwhile, Republicans are requesting a hearing to examine possible reasons behind recent rate hikes. Reuters et al.
Survey: Reform Law Unlikely To Affect Voters’ Decisions
The federal health reform law is not likely to significantly affect voters’ decisions at the polls in November’s midterm elections, according to a recent CBS News/New York Times survey. Forty-one percent of survey respondents said that a candidate’s vote on the health reform law would “not make much difference” in whether they vote for the candidate. In addition, an equal percentage — 28% — said they are “more likely” and “less likely” to vote for a candidate who supported the overhaul. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Medical Association Receives Grant To Boost Health IT Use
The not-for-profit Physicians Foundation has given $150,000 to the California Medical Association to help physicians adopt electronic health records and qualify for federal incentive payments. CMA will roll out educational programs for individual physicians, as well as for group practices. San Francisco Business Times.
El Centro Hospital To Pay Settlement for Fraud Claims
Officials at El Centro Regional Medical Center say the facility has agreed to pay $2.2 million, plus interest, to resolve Department of Justice allegations that the hospital improperly billed Medicare for higher payments related to patient admissions. Hospital CEO David Green said the allegations stem from confusion over rules on reimbursements for inpatient and outpatient visits. San Diego Union-Tribune, AP/Ventura County Star.
Applicant Sues Anthem Blue Cross for Failing To Protect Personal Data
The lawsuit, which is seeking class-action status, claims that Anthem failed to protect applicant data during a recent security breach. Meanwhile, a Los Angeles County health center recently reported the improper sale of thousands of patient records. Los Angeles Times et al.