Latest California Healthline Stories
Schering-Plough To Pay $21.3M to California for Overcharging Medi-Cal
Drugmaker Schering-Plough has agreed to pay California $21.3 million to settle claims that it overcharged Medi-Cal for its asthma drug Albuterol. The state’s payment is part of the drug company’s $69 million settlement with Florida, a whistle-blower and the federal government. Sacramento Bee.
Ban on Federal Funding for Needle Exchanges Dropped
An omnibus spending bill that President Obama signed Wednesday removed a prohibition on federal funding for needle-exchange programs. Supporters of such efforts say they help prevent HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne infections. San Francisco Chronicle.
Calif. Reps Lead the Fight Against Interstate Sales of Health Plans
Twenty-nine California representatives and two others are urging congressional leaders to abandon provisions of health care reform legislation that would allow insurers to sell policies across state lines. The representatives argue the provision will let insurers sidestep strong consumer protection laws in 17 states by basing their plans in states with weaker laws. Los Angeles Times, Washington Post.
Officials: Mammogram Program Cuts Will Not Affect Medi-Cal Enrollees
California women enrolled in Medi-Cal will continue to receive coverage for routine mammograms after the state enacts cuts to its “Every Woman Counts” screening program, according to state officials. Every Woman Counts is scheduled to reduce services Jan. 1, 2010. Sacramento Bee.
House OKs Bill With COBRA Extension, Pay Fix for Medicare Doctors
Yesterday, the House approved an appropriations bill for the Department of Defense that included provisions to extend federal subsidies for COBRA coverage and avert a cut in Medicare payments to doctors for two months. Republicans criticized the provisions being added to the bill. CQ Today et al.
Hospitals in Riverside County Fall Short in CMS Inspections
Rancho Springs Medical Center and Inland Valley Medical Center in Riverside County have not fixed safety problems and could risk losing Medicare and Medi-Cal reimbursements, according to a letter from CMS. Joan Sparkman — the board chair of Southwest Healthcare System, which operates the two hospitals — said that the facilities have “worked hard” to address the problems and that she is confident they will retain the reimbursements. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
San Diego Looking Into Plan To Reduce Retiree Health Care Obligations
After a federal court ruled that San Diego’s retiree health benefits are not a “vested right,” officials decided to negotiate with labor unions about reducing the obligation. Experts say it is unclear whether the ruling could apply to other California agencies. Capitol Weekly.
Pelosi Opens Door to Reform Bill Without a Public Option
On Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she and House Democrats could support health care reform legislation that does not include a government-run health plan so long as the bill includes other reform goals, such as tightened restrictions on insurers. McClatchy/Sacramento Bee.
CDC: About 59 Million Went Without Coverage in Past Year
A CDC survey found that about 59 million U.S. residents — or nearly 20% of the population — lacked health insurance at some point in the year and that about 11% of the population, or 31.9 million people, had no coverage for more than one year. Hispanics, men and people between ages 18 and 24 were most likely not to have coverage. Reuters.
Support for Health Reform Steady Among Californians
A Public Policy Institute of California poll released Wednesday indicates that 52% of Californians back national health care reform efforts, while 39% say they oppose reform proposals. The figures are largely unchanged from a September PPIC survey. Ventura County Star.