Latest California Healthline Stories
Budget Strain Fueling Cuts to Shasta County Public Health Programs
Last year, Shasta County public health programs saw funding levels decline by $1.2 million. The financial pressures have compelled the county to eliminate immunization clinics, pediatric dental care programs and other preventive health services. Redding Record Searchlight.
Inspectors Find Quality Lapse at UC-Irvine Medical Center
In a surprise inspection last week, state investigators working on behalf of CMS issued an “immediate jeopardy” warning to UC-Irvine Medical Center for two deficiencies in medication management. Medical center officials said they already have submitted plans to address the problem. Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register.
Survey: Employers To Shift Health Costs to Workers
A new survey from the National Business Group on Health finds that many large employers are planning to transfer a portion of their health care costs to workers next year. Some employers said they intend to raise employee contributions, tighten health plan eligibility or create incentive programs. Washington Post.
Court Sides Against Cuts to Sacramento County’s Retiree Health Subsidies
Yesterday, the Third District Court of Appeal upheld a labor board decision that barred Sacramento County from eliminating health insurance subsidies for retired county workers. The ruling could leave the county on the hook for as much as $450,000 in back payments. Sacramento Bee.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of March 12, 2010
A recent American College of Surgeons review concluded that three Ventura County hospitals could receive trauma center designation after completing certain additional work. Meanwhile, Pasadena is kicking off construction on a new urgent care clinic.
CBO Updates Price Tag of Senate Health Care Reform Bill to $875B
Yesterday, the Congressional Budget Office released a new cost and deficit analysis for the current version of the Senate health reform bill. The report estimates that the bill would cost $875 billion over 10 years and reduce the federal deficit by $118 billion. AP/Washington Post.
Sebelius Warns Insurers That Inaction on Reform Would Damage Industry
At a forum for America’s Health Insurance Plans, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said failure to pass health reform legislation could hurt the insurance industry in the long term. She also reiterated a call for more transparency on premium hikes. Wall Street Journal et al.
Cuts to State Worker Pay Hit Unevenly Across Departments
A new analysis shows that the departments of Health Services and Developmental Services were among those most affected by efforts to address California’s budget deficit last year because the cuts resulted in less staff and reduced staff pay. Overall, state pay to civil service and California State University employees declined by about 4% from 2008 to 2009. Sacramento Bee.
Senate Passes Jobs Bill That Would Avert Cuts To Medicare Payments
Yesterday, the Senate voted 62-36 to approve a $140 billion jobs bill that would avert scheduled cuts to Medicare reimbursements for physicians. The bill also would extend subsidies for COBRA coverage and offer funds to states through Medicaid. Washington Post, The Hill.
Panel Probes Low Participation Rates in Rescission Settlements
Yesterday, an Assembly committee heard testimony on possible reasons why few Californians took advantage of settlements after their health coverage had been improperly revoked. The Department of Insurance said it plans to release new rules in May to outline the process insurers must follow before they can rescind a member’s health policy. Capitol Weekly, AP/Ventura County Star.