Latest California Healthline Stories
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of August 27, 2010
Next week, Hoag Hospital Irvine plans to reopen as a 154-bed acute care general hospital with a fully staffed emergency department. Meanwhile, Sutter Health has notified 30 employees at five Sacramento medical centers that their positions will be terminated on Oct. 15.
AARP Report: Brand-Name Drug Prices Rose in 2009
Prices for the 217 brand-name drugs most commonly used by elderly U.S. residents increased by 8.3% on average in 2009, according to a report released on Wednesday by AARP. The increase, which is the largest in years, came despite negative inflation. The report found that over the previous five years, retail prices for the most popular brand-name medications rose by 41.5%, compared with an increase in the consumer price index of 13.3%. New York Times.
Legislature Churns Out Bills on Adverse Events, Other Health Care Issues
California lawmakers must move bills to the governor’s desk by next week. One of the bills working its way through the Legislature would require hospital officials to submit annual reports about adverse medical events and hospital-acquired infections. Los Angeles Times et al.
Bills To Establish Calif. Health Benefit Exchange Await Governor’s OK
The California Assembly has voted 51-27 to pass AB 1602, the second of two bills to set up a statewide health insurance exchange under the federal health reform law. Gov. Schwarzenegger is expected to sign the companion measures. Wall Street Journal, AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Judge Blocks Plan That Would Restrict Workers From In-Home Care
Gov. Schwarzenegger will not be able to implement his plan to prevent individuals with certain convictions from working as In-Home Supportive Services caregivers. A judge recently ruled that the plan would harm patients and caregivers. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
State Health Officials Ask for 60-Day Extension of Current Medi-Cal Waiver
The Department of Health Care Services is requesting a 60-day extension of the state’s current Medi-Cal waiver while it negotiates with federal officials over terms for a new waiver. Officials estimate that extending the waiver would cost about $255 million. Payers & Providers.
Firm Aims To Acquire 5 Calif. Long-Term Care Hospitals
Kentucky-based Kindred Healthcare has announced plans to acquire five long-term acute care hospitals owned by Southern California’s Vista Healthcare. Kindred will pay Vista $180 million for the four freestanding hospitals and one hospital-in-hospital facility. Kindred also plans to acquire three nursing homes in Texas. The acquisitions are expected to close this year. HealthLeaders Media.
State Officials Approve Insurer Proposals To Increase Premiums
Yesterday, California officials approved Anthem Blue Cross’ plan to raise individual policyholders’ health insurance premiums by an average of 14% and Blue Shield of California’s proposal to raise rates by an average of 18.2%. Los Angeles Times et al.
Letter Makes Allegations Against S.F. Medical Center
This month, UC-San Francisco received an anonymous letter that makes several allegations concerning the planned $1.6 billion UCSF Mission Bay Medical Center. Among other claims, the letter states that UCSF officials issued improper contracts. Susan Desmond-Hellmann, UCSF chancellor, said that the letter is being treated as a whistle-blower complaint and that an investigation has been launched. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area Biz Talk.”
Overdue Budget Forces State To Put Medi-Cal Pay on Hold
On Monday, the Department of Health Care Services suspended Medi-Cal payments to more than 1,000 health care providers statewide because of California’s overdue budget. The order exempts hospitals and most nursing homes. Visalia Times-Delta.