Latest California Healthline Stories
State Officials Question Plan To Boost Federal Oversight of Premiums
State insurance officials say President Obama’s plan to establish a federal Health Insurance Rate Authority could force states to focus solely on ensuring the solvency of health insurers while the federal agency attempts to hold down premiums. New York Times.
Newly Enacted Rules Expand Scope of Dental Assistants
Starting this year, registered California dental assistants who undergo trainings and pass board exams can perform certain restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns and bridges. Some observers say the rule change could help improve access to affordable dental care. Sacramento Business Journal.
California Providers Turn to Stimulus Funds for Health IT
The California Health Information Partnership and Services Organization — formerly called Cal-REC — will administer federal economic stimulus grants aimed at boosting use of health information technology. CALHIPSO will administer funds for health care providers throughout California, with the exception of Los Angeles and Orange counties where separate efforts are underway. Sacramento Business Journal.
Governor Vetoes Budget Bill With Cuts to Prison Health Care Funds
On Monday, Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed a partial budget package that would have cut state spending from prison health care and other areas. Administration officials said the measure did not address the deeper cuts to social services that Schwarzenegger called for in an emergency budget session in January. Los Angeles Times, San Jose Mercury News.
Bill To End Some Furloughs Clears California Legislature
On Monday, the California Legislature approved legislation that would exempt from furloughs state employees who work for agencies such as the California Medical Board whose budgets do not come from the state general fund. Gov. Schwarzenegger is expected to veto the bill. Los Angeles Times et al.
California HMOs See Major Upswing in Profits in 2009
Six of California’s major HMOs reported collective profits of $3.2 billion in 2009, compared with $221 million the previous year, according to reports filed with the Department of Managed Health Care. Kaiser Permanente led the pack with a profit margin of 4.9%, while Anthem Blue Cross of California reported a profit margin of 4.0%. Sacramento Business Journal.
Senate, House at Odds Over Funding for Jobs Bill, Health Provisions
Senators have put together jobs legislation that also would extend higher Medicaid reimbursement rates to states through November, and they have proposed covering the cost of the bill partly by using money the House and Obama administration have targeted for health care reform. CongressDaily et al.
San Bernardino County Clinics Join Forces for Grants
A group of not-for-profit clinics in San Bernardino County has formed an association as part of an effort to maximize grant funding. Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center is funding the association’s first two years of operation with a $200,000 grant. San Bernardino County Sun.
Va. Ban on Health Insurance Mandates Poised To Pass
This week, the Virginia Legislature is expected to approve final legislation indicating that individuals cannot be required to have health insurance coverage, setting the stage for a constitutional showdown over the individual mandate in Democratic national health care reform proposals. Virginia would be the first state to enact such a bill. Boston Globe.
Political Analysts, Leaders Size Up Prospects for Reform
The Washington Post‘s “Topic A” asked former congressional leaders and political analysts to weigh in on the chances of the House of Representatives approving Democratic health care reform legislation. A number of the contributors say the bill’s chances will come down to how Democratic members see the vote affecting their prospects for re-election in November. Washington Post.