Latest California Healthline Stories
Senate Panel To Investigate Long-Term Care Hospitals
The Senate Finance Committee recently launched an investigation into long-term care hospitals that treat patients with chronic conditions. The investigation will focus on Select Medical Corporation, a for-profit company that operates 89 facilities. New York Times.
Stem Cell Research Center Set To Open at UC-Davis
The UC-Davis Institute for Regenerative Medicine is scheduled to open today. The center will bring the university’s stem cell research activities together in one location. The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine contributed $20 million to the center’s development. Sacramento Bee et al.
Tulare County Mulls Shifting Tobacco Settlement Money
On Tuesday, Tulare County residents asked county supervisors to place on the ballot a measure that would relocate tobacco settlement funds from capital projects to public health programs. A county supervisor questioned whether the proposal would meet state constitutional standards on county budget authority. Visalia Times-Delta.
Few Californians Participating in Coverage Rescission Settlements
A new report prepared for an Assembly committee finds that only 5% of Californians who had their health insurance policies rescinded have taken advantage of settlements that state regulators reached with five major health insurers. The settlements required the insurers to reinstate coverage and offer reimbursements for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Los Angeles Times et al.
Obama To Expand Audit Authority for Agencies, Health Care Programs
This week, President Obama is expected to authorize more federal agencies and health care programs to contract private companies to conduct audits. The directive is part of a broader effort to combat fraud in federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. Wall Street Journal.
San Francisco Bay Area Sees Scarcity of Open Nursing Jobs
New data from Health Workforce Solutions suggests that nurse vacancy rates in the San Francisco Bay area have hit their lowest point since the research firm began tracking such trends in the fall of 2008. HWS predicted that registered nurses soon will begin seeing more employment opportunities as demand for RNs continues to rise. San Francisco Business Times.
Obama Blasts Insurers, Stumps for Health Care Reform in Pa. Speech
During a speech yesterday near Philadelphia, President Obama criticized health insurers for recent premium hikes and encouraged voters to express their support for health care reform legislation. Obama is expected to reprise his speech in St. Louis tomorrow. Washington Post et al.
California Taps New Not-For-Profit Group To Run Health Data Exchange
State officials have selected the new organization Cal eConnect to develop a statewide health data exchange. The project aims to help California health care providers qualify for incentive payments from the 2009 federal economic stimulus package. San Francisco Business Times.
Sebelius Repeats Call for Greater Transparency on Health Insurance Rates
Yesterday, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sent a letter calling for major health insurance companies to post rate information and financial data online. The letter reiterates Sebelius’ earlier requests for greater transparency on premium hikes. Politico‘s “Live Pulse” et al.
Anthem Blue Cross Cuts Pay to Calif. Physical Therapists
Last month, Anthem Blue Cross reduced reimbursement rates to physical therapists by 40% or more, leading some therapists to consider shutting down their practices. Anthem said the reimbursement rate reductions are intended to help control health care costs. San Francisco Business Times.