Latest California Healthline Stories
Aetna Warned Over Medicare Prescription Drug Policies
CMS recently suspended Aetna from signing up new members for its Medicare Advantage and stand-alone Medicare prescription drug programs, saying that the company did not meet requirements ensuring that seniors could continue receiving their medications during changes to Aetna’s plans. The sanction goes into effect on April 21 and will not be lifted until Aetna demonstrates to CMS that it has corrected the problem. Wall Street Journal, HealthLeaders Media.
Senate Invokes Cloture on Bill That Averts Cuts To Medicare Payments
Yesterday, the Senate voted to invoke cloture on a bill that would temporarily extend COBRA subsidies and impose a 30-day freeze on scheduled Medicare reimbursement cuts. The move clears the way for the chamber to consider the bill this week. New York Times et al.
Assembly Health Panel Considers Bill To Limit Sale of Rx Information
AB 2112 by Assembly member Bill Monning would prohibit the sale of physicians’ prescribing habits for marketing purposes. The drug industry opposes the bill, but consumer and physician groups claim it could protect patients and reduce costs. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
States Begin To Apply Health Care Reform Law Amid Looming Deadlines
Because Congress passed the health reform law through budget reconciliation, lawmakers were unable to change some deadlines that were written into a draft months before the law was enacted. Many states are working to retroactively address some of these issues. Reuters.
Lawmakers Target of Anger Over Health Reform Votes
Over the last two weeks, congressional lawmakers spent time in their home districts explaining their votes for and against the new health reform law. In Virginia, Rep. Tom Perriello, who represents a mostly Republican district, has been targeted for supporting the law, while Reps. Mary Bono Mack and Michael Arcuri — both of whom are representing largely Democratic districts — have had to explain why they voted against it. Los Angeles Times.
Report on Anthem’s Premium Spending Due in Two Weeks
Within two weeks, Axene Health Partners is expected to release a report evaluating whether Anthem Blue Cross spends 70% of its premium dollars on medical claims, as required by law. California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, who requested the report, has said that if the insurer is not spending the required amount on premiums, he would take steps to stop Anthem’s proposed premium increases for individual policies. Los Angeles Times.
Sebelius: Health Reform Law Will Boost Preventive Care
Last week, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that provisions in the new health care reform law will drive preventive care and wellness. The reform law will require insurer to cover preventive services, including immunizations, cancer screenings and check-ups, at no additional charge to policyholders. Sebelius also said that President Obama expects his Cabinet members to work together to improve public health. CQ HealthBeat, New York Times.
Pajaro Valley Trust Awards $100K in Health Care Grants
The Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust recently announced $100,000 in grants for projects aimed at addressing health issues in Pajaro Valley. Fifteen organizations have received awards for projects related to diabetes care, oral health, medical worker training and health insurance coverage. Salinas Californian.
Orszag: Health Reform Savings Could Be More Than CBO Estimated
Yesterday, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag said the Congressional Budget Office might have underestimated the budget reduction effects of the new health care reform law because the projections did not take certain factors into account. The Hill.
Sequoia Healthcare District Grants $2M to 36 Groups
Thirty-six groups in California’s Peninsula region will share $2 million in grant awards from the Sequoia Healthcare District. The “Caring Community” grants focus on four priority areas: basic need; mental health; youth services; and “healthy, active, engaged older adults.” San Francisco Business Times.