Latest California Healthline Stories
Hospitals Discuss Balancing Reform Goals and Care Needs
Hospital executives meeting this week at the annual Health Forum and American Hospital Association Leadership Summit are discussing how to pursue health reform objectives while maintaining quality patient care, particularly for the growing Medicare population. Nathan Kaufman — director of Kaufman Strategic Advisors — said hospitals must “reinvent themselves” to meet these demands, in ways such as working more closely with physician groups, installing electronic health records and consolidating facilities. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Editorial: Finish Reform by Addressing Workers’ Comp
One of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s “greatest accomplishments” in office was overhauling standards for workers’ compensation premium rates, but national health reform fails to adequately address the issue, a San Jose Mercury News editorial states. The editorial says that Schwarzenegger and Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner should work with insurance companies “to establish fair rate increases” and then turn toward national efforts “to finish the job of comprehensive health care reform” by “establishing a precise plan” to control workers’ compensation premiums. San Jose Mercury News.
VA Seeks Funds To Locate Veterans Eligible for Benefits
The state Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking funding to support an outreach program to find veterans who may qualify for benefits. VA has contact information for roughly 20,000 of California’s two million veterans. VA officials plan to store veterans’ contact information in a new database and link them with benefits, which could draw down millions in federal funds. Sacramento Bee.
Democrats Might Revisit Public Option for Insurance Exchanges
House Democrats plan to introduce a bill to create a government-run insurance plan through states’ health insurance exchanges. The so-called public option was considered during the health reform debate and ultimately was dropped. Los Angeles Times, CongressDaily.
Psychiatric Technician Group Votes for New State Contract
Members of the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians union voted to approve a new two-year contract with the state that would increase their share of pension contributions and reinstate overtime pay on state holidays. The contract — which requires approval from the Legislature and the governor — also would have the state pay 80% of health care premium expenses and grant workers one unpaid personal day every month. Porterville Recorder.
Obama Administration Relaxes Rules on Claims for Denials of Insurance
The Obama administration’s newly released regulations aim to make it easier for individuals to appeal denials of health insurance coverage. Under the new rules, states will be eligible for millions of dollars in federal funding to fortify consumer assistance agencies. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.
Federal Judge Thwarts Sacramento County’s Mental Health Plans
Yesterday, a federal judge blocked Sacramento County from moving forward on a proposal to shift low-income residents with mental health issues from private programs to county clinics. The judge said the move could cause “catastrophic harm” to patients. Sacramento Bee et al.
Practitioners Find Ways To Provide Services for Patients in Rural Areas
In its latest edition of “Health Dialogues,” KQED’s “California Report” examines the unique challenges faced by patients and health workers in rural communities, including poverty, distance to health centers and funding for local hospitals. KQED’s “California Report.”
Search for Director of L.A. Health Department Ongoing
It remains unclear when Los Angeles County health officials will select a new director of the county Department of Health Services, which has been led on an interim basis for more than two years. County supervisors delayed a vote scheduled for June on the most recent candidate — Daniel Snyder, a former hospital executive — to head the $3.5 billion agency and county CEO William Fujioka said the search for a new director will continue. Los Angeles Times.
Bill Would Establish New Ombudsman Office for Post-Reform Market
California lawmakers are reviewing a bill that would create an ombudsman office to help consumers navigate their health plans post-health care reform. Opponents contend that the duties of the proposed office already are performed by other agencies. Payers & Providers.