Latest California Healthline Stories
Recession Leads to Jump in Medicaid Rolls Across U.S.
Since December 2007, the economic recession has contributed to a 17% increase in Medicaid enrollment and federal spending on Medicaid has increased by 36%, according to an analysis of state data conducted by USA Today. In addition, health care officials are concerned that physicians will not be able to handle an influx of new patients expected under the federal health reform law. More than 50 million U.S. residents are Medicaid beneficiaries. USA Today.
Unofficial Deal With CMS Would Extend Funds for County Health Programs
State officials say they have reached an unofficial agreement with CMS for a 60-day extension to a federal Medi-Cal waiver. The extension would sustain federal funds for 10 county-run health programs. A final agreement is expected by the end of October. Ventura County Star.
Board of Registered Nursing Appoints West to Top Post
Tricia West — a registered nurse who was president and CEO of P.J. West & Associates, a legal consulting firm that reviewed cases involving Medicare fraud — has been named CEO of the California Board of Registered Nursing. Part of West’s duties will be to ensure timely reporting of investigations involving alleged medical violations. West’s new position begins Sept 15. Ventura County Star.
Senate Passes Bill That Aims To Revive State Breast Cancer Program
The bill aims to reverse previous cuts to the Every Woman Counts program, which offers no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings to low-income women. The measure now is before Gov. Schwarzenegger, but it is not known whether he will sign it. HealthyCal.
Lawmakers To Vote on Budget Plans; Stalemate Expected To Continue
State legislators are slated to vote on two competing budget plans during the last day of the legislative session tomorrow. Neither plan is expected to pass, meaning that the governor might reconvene lawmakers for a special budget session. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Judge Denies Motion for Mistrial in Case Against Nursing Home Company
A judge has denied Skilled Healthcare’s bid for a mistrial ruling and issued an injunction ordering the nursing home chain to comply with California’s mandated staffing levels. Attorneys in the case are due back in court tomorrow. Eureka Times-Standard, Bloomberg.
State Budget Stalemate Depletes Medi-Cal Funds for Health Clinics
Many community health centers are facing major financial strain during California’s budget impasse. Some clinics soon might receive “value of claims” letters indicating how much the state owes in withheld Medi-Cal funds. Sacramento Bee et al.
Fresno County To Revise Eligibility for Indigent Care
Fresno County Superior Court Judge Jeff Hamilton recently ordered Fresno County to develop new eligibility standards for indigent medical care. Previously, the county set an upper income limit of $1,788 monthly for residents to qualify for indigent care. Hamilton ruled that the limit did not take into account the health care costs that could be incurred from serious medical conditions. Fresno Bee.
Federal Officials Target Fraud in Medicare, Medicaid Claims
Last week, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder outlined the Obama administration’s new efforts to combat Medicare and Medicaid fraud at a summit in Los Angeles. At the meeting, Sebelius noted that CMS has issued a final regulation designed to protect seniors from fraudulent medical supply vendors by requiring prosthetics suppliers to maintain proper ordering documentation and remain open for 30 hours weekly. Los Angeles Times.
Assets Belonging to Former Hospital Group Questioned
The Fallbrook Healthcare District has leased its hospital to a for-profit private operator since 1998, but the district still is collecting up to $1.5 million annually in property taxes to run the hospital. The district’s total income is approaching $9 million, which district officials say is necessary in case the private operator opts out of the arrangement to run the hospital. Taxpayer advocates and not-for-profit executives say the district is improperly accumulating public assets. San Diego Union-Tribune.