Latest California Healthline Stories
Group Wants Documents From Anthem Investigation
On Thursday, Consumer Watchdog asked California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner to release documents he has gathered in his investigation of Anthem Blue Cross’ proposed premium increases. The group also wants Poizner to hold a minimum of four public hearings across the state on the matter. Los Angeles Times.
House Unveils Near-Final Reform Package; Weekend Vote Likely
On Thursday, House Democrats released a near-final version of their health reform proposals, kicking off a 72-hour review period before Democratic leaders can call the legislation to a floor vote. Lawmakers are gearing up for a key vote on the package this weekend. New York Times et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 19, 2010
The regional branch of the Service Employees International Union recently ratified a contract at Alta Bates/Summit Medical Center. Meanwhile, Eden Township Healthcare District is continuing its efforts to prevent Sutter Health from closing San Leandro Hospital’s emergency department.
DMHC Must Do More To Make Law Clear on Rescissions
Despite instituting “some important changes,” the Department of Managed Health Care “has not done enough to ensure that rescission is uncommon and reserved only for bad actors that deliberately provide misleading information on their application,” Assembly member Hector De La Torre writes in an opinion piece. He argues that the department should restart a process it ended in 2007 that would create new rescission regulations to help lawmakers, consumers and insurers understand the state’s position on rescission. Capitol Weekly.
Republican Lawmakers Aim To Force Early Vote on Health Reform Bill
Today, House Republicans plan to offer a resolution that would force a vote on the Senate health reform bill separately from the chamber’s “corrections” bill. The action is one of several GOP tactics designed to thwart reform legislation. The Hill‘s “Blog Briefing Room” et al.
CBO Pegs Cost of Health Care Reform Package at $940B Over 10 Years
Preliminary Congressional Budget Office data suggest that Democrats’ health reform package would cost $940 billion over 10 years and reduce the federal deficit by $130 billion. Democratic aides said they expect the full CBO score to be released later today. Washington Post et al.
Study: Drug Prices Escalating in Medicare ‘Doughnut Hole’
Out-of-pocket costs for seniors who reach the Medicare drug benefit coverage gap are rising at rates faster than inflation, according to a new analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The study finds that enrollees in standalone Medicare Part D plans who enter the coverage gap have seen prices rise by 5% or more since January 2009 for half of 10 common brand name drugs. Kaiser Health News.
Lawmakers, Officials Again Question CIRM’s Activities
A new bill (SB 1064), by Sen. Elaine Alquist, is the latest move by lawmakers to gain tighter control over the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine and ensure the state benefits from the agency’s use of state funds. Lawmakers and other state officials have expressed concern about the potential for conflicts of interest related to grant distribution and a lack of transparency in the agency’s activities. Capitol Weekly.
GLBT Seniors Push Changes to Medicaid, Social Security
An advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender seniors says changes to federal rules governing Medicaid, Social Security and other issues could help shore up the medical, financial and social safety nets for GLBT seniors. AARP and the American Society for Aging endorsed the report. Los Angeles Times.
Report: State’s Enforcement of Patient Safety Laws Remains Lax
A new Consumers Union report suggests that the California Department of Public Health is not taking strong enough action to enforce new laws aimed at reducing medical errors and hospital-acquired infections. The report praised the state for effectively collecting adverse event information but said officials could do more to make the data readily accessible. San Francisco Chronicle.