Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial: Rising Premiums Tied to Growing Health Costs
While Anthem Blue Cross’ proposed 20% premium increase for individual policies is “staggering,” premiums will continue to be high unless something is done to control the “spiraling costs of medical care,” a Los Angeles Times editorial states. The editorial adds, “The system needs to change fundamentally, shifting its focus from treating the sick to keeping people healthy. And it has to start rewarding quality and efficiency.” Los Angeles Times.
Gov. Orders Minimum Wage for State Workers; Doctors Affected
Gov. Schwarzenegger has ordered hourly state workers to temporarily receive minimum wage until a budget passes. Certain workers, such as physicians, would go without pay because federal law exempts them from minimum wage rules. Sacramento Bee et al.
Judge Blocks Closure of Indigent Care Clinics in Sacramento County
Yesterday, a Sacramento Superior Court judge issued a temporary restraining order that blocked Sacramento County from closing indigent health care clinics that provide services to low-income residents who do not qualify for other medical coverage programs. Sacramento Bee.
CalPERS Approves Plan To Increase Premiums by an Average of 9.1%
By 2011, CalPERS members will see health insurance premiums rise by an average of 9.1%. CalPERS Board President Rob Feckner said the hikes reflect higher health care costs and are not the result of members using more services or the new health reform law. Capitol Weekly.
Radiology Doctors Sue Sutter Over Blocked Hospital Access
Six physicians at Radiological Associates of Sacramento on Wednesday filed two lawsuits to challenge Sutter Health’s decision to bar the physicians from providing diagnostic services at three Sutter facilities. RAS physicians have provided diagnostic imaging services at Sutter Health facilities since 1923, but Sutter earlier this year ended negotiations on a contract with the group, saying it wanted to bring certain specialties like radiology under its company. Sacramento Bee.
California Starts New Fiscal Year Without Budget Plan in Place
Today, California begins its new fiscal year without a plan to address the state’s $19.1 billion deficit. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders said they have developed a proposal to avert cuts to Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services. Sacramento Bee.
Judge Blocks Cuts to Fresno Home Caregivers’ Wages
A federal judge in Oakland yesterday issued a temporary restraining order to prevent cuts to wages and benefits for more than 12,000 home caregivers in Fresno. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors proposed cutting hourly wages from $10.25 to $8 to save $5 million. The restraining order was issued in a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of four low-income Californians enrolled in the In-Home Supportive Services program. The Business Journal.
High-Risk Pools Launch Today; Coincides With New Federal Website
Today, officials launched a provision of the new health reform law that aims to temporarily provide coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions through high-risk pools. Individuals can apply for the program through a new website, HealthCare.gov. AP/Chicago Tribune et al.
Poll Finds Uptick in Popularity of Federal Health Reform Law
The new health reform law became more popular from May to June, suggesting that President Obama is effectively touting the overhaul’s early provisions as they take effect, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll released on Wednesday. The poll found that 48% of respondents had a “favorable” opinion of the new reform law, while 41% said they had an “unfavorable” opinion. In May, 41% of participants had a favorable view and 44% had an unfavorable view. Washington Post.
Anthem Blue Cross Eyes Premium Hikes of Up to 20% for Individual Plans
Anthem Blue Cross has announced plans to raise premiums by up to 20% for individual policyholders. The insurer previously sought to increase rates by as much as 39% but withdrew the request after an investigation found errors in its calculations. Los Angeles Times et al.