Latest California Healthline Stories
Hospital Pediatricians in Short Supply, Fueling Frustrations
Physicians and hospital administrators say the ranks of U.S. pediatricians are starting to decline partially because of the limitations of pediatric training programs and low reimbursement rates for some types of care. AP/Dayton Daily News.
Newsom Warns of More Cuts to Public Health Department
At the San Francisco Health Commission meeting on Wednesday, Mayor Gavin Newsom warned commission members that they might have to consider layoffs or new strategies to boost revenue because the department likely is looking at a budget cut of $102 million. Mission Local.
Deal Draws Closer for Reform Bill, White House To Unveil Plan
Yesterday, House Democrats said lawmakers are close to reaching a final compromise between the House and Senate health care reform bills. The lawmakers did not provide details on the agreement or indicate when it would be released. Meanwhile, industry officials have suggested that the White House might release its reform proposal as early as Sunday. Roll Call et al.
Health Insurers in Four States Seek Substantial Rate Hikes
Insurers in four states are seeking rate increases for individual policyholders of 15% or more, and experts say companies in other states are expected to follow suit. The increases come as WellPoint’s Anthem Blue Cross subsidiary in California plans to raise rates by up to 39% for its 800,000 individual policyholders. AP/BusinessWeek.
Analysis: Excise Tax Could Equally Hit Union, Nonunion Health Plans
A proposed excise tax on high-cost insurance plans could have an equal impact on health benefits for union and nonunion workers, according to a new analysis. The California Endowment and the Institute for America’s Future provided funding for the study. Washington Post.
Concerns Growing Over State’s Obligations for Retiree Health Benefits
Recent reports suggest that California is facing a growing burden of pension costs, partially because of its unfunded liability for public worker health benefits. A Pew Center on the States report found that many other states face similar pension problems. Capitol Weekly et al.
Health Data Exchange in the Works in Riverside, San Bernardino Counties
Ten information technology contractors have submitted bids to help create a regional health information exchange in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. However, officials are facing difficulty finding funding sources for the data exchange project. Payers & Providers.
Report Touts Benefits of Stimulus Community Health Center Spending
Money included in the federal economic stimulus package for community health centers has helped expand the centers’ capacity to treat more uninsured people, while also creating and preserving jobs. So far, $1.85 billion in stimulus funds have been distributed to the centers. The Hill‘s “Blog Briefing Room.”
WellPoint Cancels Investor Meeting Ahead of Hearing
Indianapolis-based WellPoint has canceled an investor meeting scheduled for next week to allow company executives more time to prepare for a Feb. 24 congressional hearing on proposed rate hikes at its Anthem Blue Cross of California subsidiary. The rate increases are on hold while the state Department of Insurance investigates. Los Angeles Times.
Governor’s Budget Seeks To Cut Services for Recent Immigrants
As part of an effort to reduce California’s estimated $20 billion budget gap, Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating Medi-Cal services and other public assistance programs for documented immigrants who have been in the U.S. for less than five years. An advocacy group says the cuts will trigger increased use of hospital emergency departments and more homelessness. Los Angeles Times.