Latest California Healthline Stories
Report Estimates Value of Reform Law’s Tax Credits
Under the federal health reform law, nearly 29 million U.S. residents will be eligible for a tax credit for purchasing health insurance that is scheduled to take effect in 2014, according to a new report from Families USA. The group, which supports the health reform law, noted that the total value of the tax credits in 2014 will be $110 billion. New York Times‘ “Prescriptions,” The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Large Calif. Health Plans See Rise in Complaints, Drop in Total Enrollment
Although California’s large HMOs experienced a decline in enrollment last year, the number of complaints filed with the Department of Managed Health Care against large health plans rose by 9%. Many of the complaints involved coordination of care. Payers & Providers.
UC-Merced To Partner With UC-Davis To Enroll First Medical Students
In a step toward creating a UC-Merced medical school, officials have announced plans to enroll six students in a medical program associated with UC-Merced next fall. The students will study at UC-Davis for the first two years of the program. Merced Sun-Star, Visalia Times-Delta.
Budget Deadlock Poised To Be Longest in California’s History
As of today, California is 78 days into its fiscal year without a budget plan. Although the delay is likely to become the longest in the state’s history, lawmakers have yet to reach agreement on tax changes or program cuts. AP/Contra Costa Times et al.
Democrats Spend More on Advertising Positions Critical of Reform Law
Democratic candidates running for election this fall have spent more than $1.2 million on advertising their positions on the health reform law. About $930,000 of that money has gone toward ads that are critical of the health care overhaul. Politico, The Hill‘s “Ballot Box.”
Opinion: Adopt City Planning Strategies To Improve Health
The California Air Resources Board should adopt plans that “call for regional cooperation in reversing course” on our “auto-centered lifestyle,” which has “led people to become more sedentary, putting themselves at higher risk for a string of chronic illnesses,” Sonal Patel, a board member of the American Lung Association, writes in a Capitol Weekly opinion piece. Patel writes, “Children’s health is especially impacted by our dependence on car travel,” adding that children “are falling into the grip of … preventable diseases at earlier ages and will face life-long challenges as a result.” Capitol Weekly.
PPO Claims Payments To Rise Over Next Year, Report Says
Health insurance companies expect to pay as much as 10.7% more in claims over the next 12 months for preferred provider organization managed care plans, according a survey of about 60 U.S. insurers by Aon Consulting. Aon also found that claims payouts for HMO plans and several other types of coverage are expected to increase between 10.5% and 12.4%. AP/Ventura County Star.
Ventura Nurses Vote Down Contract To Hike Pension Fees
Ventura County nurses have rejected a management proposal that would have raised their pension contributions by 3% and that did not include a pay raise. County managers are recommending that the board of supervisors impose the proposal, while hospital officials say they would not be able to retain or bring in new nurses if the package is imposed. Ventura County Star.
California Telehealth Network Receives $14 Million in Grants
The California Telehealth Network has received a $9 million federal grant and matching funds worth $5 million from state groups. The funding will support the installation of broadband equipment and training programs. Healthcare IT News.
Brown Reveals Proposal To ‘Start From Scratch’ on Next Year’s Budget
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown’s budget proposal would require every agency to justify its spending from scratch, rather than the previous year’s allocation. The plan also would reduce prison health spending. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”