Latest California Healthline Stories
Aetna Withdraws Rate Hikes for Individual Policyholders in Calif.
Recently uncovered calculation errors in Aetna’s rate filings have prompted the health insurer to cancel its plans to raise premiums by an average of 19% for individual policyholders in California. Aetna said it would submit a revised rate filing. Los Angeles Times et al.
SEIU-UHW Ratifies New Labor Agreement With Kaiser Permanente
The Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West says it is the first of 32 unions to approve a new contract with Kaiser Permanente. The agreement would raise workers’ wages by 3% annually and maintain current health benefits. Sacramento Bee.
House Approves Stand-Alone ‘Doc Fix’; GOP Blocks ‘Extenders’ Bill
The House has approved the Senate’s “doc fix,” which delays cuts to physicians’ Medicare payments until November. The bill now heads to President Obama. Meanwhile, a GOP-led filibuster prevented the “extenders” bill from moving to the Senate floor. New York Times et al.
Calif. Health Officials Declare Epidemic of Whooping Cough
After confirming five infant deaths resulting from whooping cough and 910 additional cases, California health officials declared the disease an epidemic. The state is on pace for the worst whooping cough outbreak in 50 years. New York Times et al.
New Senate Changes to ‘Extenders’ Bill Unlikely To Attract Extra Support
Senate Democrats released a new substitute amendment in an effort to scale back the overall cost of the “extenders” bill. However, observers predict that the latest changes are unlikely to attract the additional support necessary to end debate on the legislation. CQ Today et al.
Kaiser Permanente Assessing Health Care in Solano County
Kaiser Permanente is conducting an assessment to evaluate health needs and barriers to medical services in Solano County. Kaiser officials said the assessment would collect information on specific diseases, mortality rates and economic variables. The health system plans to collaborate with consulting firm Barbara Aved Associates on a report to help Solano County prioritize and plan programs to improve health care services. Vallejo Times-Herald.
State Workers Could See Pay Cut During Budget Impasse
If a budget deal is not reached by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, Gov. Schwarzenegger plans to cut more than 200,000 state workers’ pay to minimum wage, according to a memo sent Wednesday. However, state Controller John Chiang said he would defy the governor’s order. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
Deaf Advocates Criticize Hearing Screening Bill
Deaf-advocacy groups are criticizing a bill (AB 2072), by Assembly member Tony Mendoza, that would have hospitals with licensed perinatal services provide every infant with a hearing test and then offer information on community resources to parents of diagnosed children. The bill also would allow parents with a diagnosed deaf child to meet with audiologist and receive treatment information. Deaf-advocacy groups say the bill is a move against American Sign Language, in favor of surgical, hearing aid, or “oralist” treatments. The Senate Human Services Committee approved the bill on Wednesday. Capitol Weekly.
CBO: High-Risk Pools Could Be Costly Without Spending Cap
The high-risk insurance pools created under the new health reform law could cost the federal government as much as $15 billion if the current $5 billion spending cap is removed, according to a letter released on Monday by the Congressional Budget Office. CBO Director Douglas Elmendorf wrote the letter, which reiterated a previous CBO report finding that the $5 billion allocated for the program would not be enough to cover the costs of all applicants through 2013. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Council Calls for More Limited Working Hours for Residents, Interns
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has proposed maximum work shifts of 16 hours for medical interns and 24 hours for medical residents starting their second year. ACGME officials said the rules aim to ensure patient safety. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.