Latest California Healthline Stories
Opinion: Cuts to Adult Day Health Care ‘Shortsighted’
Assembly member Pedro Nava and Mark Kovalik, administrator of Among Friends Adult Day Health Care Center in Ventura County, argue that Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposed cuts to adult day health care services would cost the state jobs and result in higher state spending by pushing more Californians to be moved to nursing homes. Nava and Kovalik urge Californians to oppose the cuts. Ventura County Star.
Calif. Prison Health Budget Cuts Informed by N.Y. Data
California lawmakers and Gov. Schwarzenegger are backing legislation that would cut prison health care spending by $811 million in fiscal year 2010-2011. The proposal reflects an effort to reduce California’s per-inmate spending on health care from $11,000 annually to the $5,757 that New York State spends per inmate. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Report: Unmarried Older Women More Likely To Lack Health Insurance
A study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research finds that older California women are more likely to lack insurance coverage if they have never been married, are divorced, separated or widowed. The study also identified racial disparities in coverage. Payers & Providers.
Advocates Seek Rule Change on Hospital Hiring of Doctors
Some advocates are pushing for changes in state regulations to allow rural hospitals and certain other facilities to hire physicians directly. Current state law permits institutional hiring of physicians only for county medical centers, teaching hospitals and prisons. The California Medical Association opposes the proposed changes, arguing that they could result in a loss of physician autonomy. HealthLeaders Media.
Bill Would Require Accurate Health Provider Directories
Assembly member Wesley Chesbro has introduced a bill designed to help patients access more complete information about health care provider networks. The bill would require HMOs and health insurance companies to maintain accurate and up-to-date provider directories. It also would permit the Departments of Managed Healthcare and Insurance to review the adequacy of the networks. Eureka Times-Standard.
House Committee Challenges WellPoint CEO on Rate Hikes
Angela Braly — CEO of WellPoint, Anthem Blue Cross’ parent company — went before a House panel yesterday to defend Anthem’s plans to raise premiums on individual policies by as much as 39%. Braly argued that rising premiums are a symptom of rising costs for health care services and products, while committee Democrats cited the proposed hikes as a case for reform. CQ HealthBeat et al.
House Votes To Repeal Antitrust Exemption for Health Insurance Firms
Yesterday, the House voted overwhelmingly to end a decades-old antitrust exemption for health insurance companies. Democrats hope the measure will pave the way for the passage of larger health care overhaul issues. The bill now heads to the Senate. Roll Call et al.
Anthem Blue Cross Expects To Move Ahead With Rate Hikes
Yesterday, the Assembly Health Committee grilled Anthem Blue Cross of California executives about the company’s plan to raise premiums for nearly 800,000 individual policyholders. Legislators also questioned the profits Anthem has generated for its parent company, WellPoint. Anthem executives said they plan to proceed with scheduled rate hikes in May. Los Angeles Times et al.
Ten States To Receive Grants for Kids’ Health Programs
HHS has announced that 10 states will receive more than $100 million in grants for projects designed to improve health care quality for children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Some states plan to use the funds for pediatric electronic health records and other health IT initiatives. Healthcare IT News.
Budget Reconciliation an Oft-Used Tactic To Pass Health Care Measures
During the past 30 years, many major health care bills passed under the budget reconciliation process. Reconciliation helped pass the COBRA coverage extensions, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and changes to Medicaid and Medicare. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”