Latest California Healthline Stories
Long-Term Care Plan Costs To Jump for Some in California
About 6,600 Californians with long-term care insurance through Conseco will experience premium increases of 20% to 35% starting in July, with additional increases in subsequent years, because of financial problems at the company. Policyholders can pay the increases, scale back their benefits to pay lower premiums or receive a lump-sum, non-forfeiture benefit. Sacramento Business Journal.
U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Case on California Prison Overcrowding
This fall, the U.S. Supreme Court plans to review whether a three-judge panel had the authority to order California to reduce its inmate population by 40,000 over the next two years to ease overcrowding and improve prison health care conditions. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
CMS Extends Freeze on Medicare Claims Amid Debate on ‘Doc Fix’
Yesterday, CMS announced that it will delay processing physicians’ Medicare claims through the end of Thursday as the Senate continues to debate the so-called “extenders bill,” which would delay a scheduled cut to Medicare physician payments. CongressDaily et al.
Small Businesses Hit by Health Plan Hikes While Awaiting Tax Credits
Tax breaks for small businesses made available under the new health reform law could total $4.4 billion in California. However, some employers might not see cost reductions because of recent rate increases in health plans for small businesses. San Francisco Chronicle.
UC-Riverside Medical School Gets Support From Sen. Boxer
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) on Friday offered her support for a proposed new medical school at UC-Riverside, noting the facility would create new jobs and improve access to care in the region. With funding from federal, state and other sources not finalized, construction of the school is on hold. Boxer is seeking an additional $1 million in federal funding to create a medical stimulation lab at the school. Riverside Press-Enterprise, KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Groups Seek To Block New Glaucoma Treatment Rules
Last week, the California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the California Medical Association and the American Glaucoma Society filed an administrative petition asking the California Department of Consumer Affairs to reject new regulations that would expand the ability of optometrists to treat glaucoma patients. The petition also asked DCA Director Brian Stiger to order a state investigation of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Palo Alto Health Care System, where several patients recently experienced vision loss while receiving treatment for glaucoma. San Jose Mercury News.
Report Cites Five Tactics To Reduce Spending in U.S. Health Care System
A new Thomson Reuters report finds that the U.S. health care system could save $3.6 trillion across a decade by addressing operating inefficiencies, reducing fraud and encouraging healthy lifestyles. The report also calls for investments in information technology. Reuters.
Court Rules Furloughs Illegal for Employees in Workers’ Compensation
A San Francisco appeals court ruled that Gov. Schwarzenegger exceeded his authority when he imposed furlough days for State Compensation Insurance Fund employees. The court ruled that the workers are entitled to $25 million in back pay. San Francisco Chronicle, AP/Sacramento Bee.
Supreme Court Could Weigh in on California Prison Issues
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide this week whether it will review a decision by three federal judges to force the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to reduce the prison population by one-quarter. J. Clark Kelso, the federally appointed prison health care receiver, said that overcrowding is the cause of inadequate prison health care. Los Angeles Times.
HHS Announces Grants Designed To Curb Costs of Medical Malpractice
On Friday, HHS announced nearly $25 million in grants designed to help reduce medical malpractice costs. The grants will fund demonstration projects focused on alternative dispute resolution programs, developing guidelines and medical error disclosure. Wall Street Journal et al.