Latest California Healthline Stories
Republicans Challenge Constitutionality of Individual Mandate
Yesterday, Sen. John Ensign filed a constitutional point of order against the Senate health reform bill’s mandate that all residents must purchase health insurance or pay a penalty. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he is confident that Democrats will defeat the challenge. CQ Today et al.
Interstate Health Plans Could Transform Calif. Insurance Marketplace
If final health care reform legislation allows insurers to sell policies across state lines, California might face difficulty enforcing its patient protection laws. However, a wider insurance market might benefit Anthem Blue Cross and other health plans. San Jose Mercury News.
Gov. Announces $26.5M To Help Counties Fight In-Home Care Fraud
Yesterday, Gov. Schwarzenegger announced a $26.5 million program to help 45 counties curb fraud in the state’s In-Home Supportive Services program. Officials estimate that the initiative could reduce state spending by about $130 million this fiscal year. KPCC’s “KPCC News” et al.
Calif. Companies Considering Dropping Health Coverage
A 7.5% increase in California employers’ premium costs has resulted in many employers changing their health plans to pass more costs on to employees or even considering dropping coverage altogether. A California HealthCare Foundation report found that one in five California companies say they are very or somewhat likely to change the percentage of premiums workers pay in 2010, while 44% of companies with 200 or more employees say it is very likely they will increase premiums for employees. Ventura County Star.
Senate Clears Procedural Steps; Reform Bill Moves Closer to Thursday Vote
The Senate has overcome two of three procedural obstacles to pave the way for a final vote on its health care reform bill on Christmas Eve. The chamber has voted to end debate on a package of amendments to its original health reform bill, as well as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s manager’s amendment. New York Times et al.
Obama Signs Defense Spending Bill With COBRA Extension
The $636.3 billion fiscal year 2010 defense spending bill includes funding for a two-month extension of subsidized COBRA benefits. It also maintains current Medicare physician payments for two additional months. A 21% payment reduction was scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2010. Bloomberg/Seattle Times et al.
Court: State Misled Judges While Appealing Blocked Medi-Cal Cuts
Yesterday, a federal court accused California officials of misleading judges when they attempted to maintain state cuts to Medi-Cal. In July, the court ruled that the state violated a federal law when it imposed a 10% cut in Medi-Cal reimbursements. The state later argued that the judges lacked the authority to block the cuts, which had expired in March. San Francisco Chronicle.
More U.S. Residents Going Overseas for Medical Care
A growing number of U.S. residents, particularly those who are uninsured, are beginning to go overseas to receive less costly care. A report by Deloitte Consulting estimated that 560,000 U.S. residents went abroad for care in 2008. The report estimates that number will grow to 1.6 million U.S. residents by 2012. San Francisco Chronicle.
Diseases, Health Conditions Affect Residents’ Lives
In its December edition of “Health Dialogues,” KQED’s “California Report” examined how health and sickness can affect people’s lives. The edition includes segments on diabetes, hepatitis B, dealing with traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, living with cancer and organ donation. KQED’s “California Report.”
Feinstein Votes Yes on Reform Despite Medicaid Cost Increase
On Monday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein voted yes on a procedural motion to move the Senate’s health reform bill forward, although the bill could force California to spend an additional $3 billion annually to cover more people through Medicaid. However, Feinstein said that the Medicaid expansion would be fully funded until 2016, giving the state time to find funding to offset the additional cost. Southern California Public Radio’s “KPCC News.”