Latest California Healthline Stories
Survey Sees Big Increase in Medi-Cal Numbers Since 2000
Although the number of Californians who are uninsured increased only slightly from 2000 to 2008, the percentage of state residents enrolled in Medi-Cal has jumped by more than 25%, according to a California HealthCare Foundation report that also found significant increases in health insurance premiums from 2002 to 2009. Payers & Providers, Southern California Public Radio’s “KPCV News.”
CalPERS Board Approves Premium Hike for Long-Term Care Insurance
Yesterday, the full CalPERS board approved a plan to raise premiums for long-term care insurance by 15% to 22%. CalPERS’ health benefits committee recommended the rate hike to help the fund cope with recent investment losses and high benefit payouts. Sacramento Bee.
Santa Clara County Kicks Off Rx Drug Discount Program
On Tuesday, Santa Clara County began distributing cards that entitle residents to discounts on some prescription drugs. The program is administered by the National Association of Counties and has been up and running for several years in several states. San Jose Mercury News.
Index: Recession Could Undo State Progress in Child Health, Well-Being
A new children’s health index finds that overall measures of child health and well-being have increased by about 16% in California. However, researchers warn that the recent economic downturn could reverse some of those gains. Riverside Press-Enterprise, New America Media.
Obama Touts ‘Broad Consensus’ on Elements of Health Care Overhaul
After meeting with Senate Democrats at the White House to discuss health care reform, President Obama said senators agree on many elements of the proposal. Aides to the president said he did not discuss specific issues with senators but urged them to unite behind the bill. Washington Post et al.
Former DNC Chair Dean Urges Do-Over on Health Care
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who also chaired the Democratic National Committee, is urging Senate leaders to abandon their health care reform proposal and use the budget reconciliation process to push the House bill through the Senate. Dean spoke out after media reports indicated that Senate Democrats have dropped provisions for a government-run health plan and a Medicare buy-in option from their bill. Vermont Public Radio’s “VPR News,” ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Data Breach at UC-San Francisco Hits 600 Patients
On Tuesday, UC-San Francisco officials announced a data breach that might have compromised personal information for 600 patients. The breach occurred in September, and an investigation was initiated in October, when patients also were notified. San Francisco Business Times.
Ventura County Moves Forward With Shift to Medi-Cal Managed Care
Ventura County officials are preparing to transition from a state-run Medi-Cal program to a locally administered managed care system. Some clinics and hospitals have criticized the plan for not including enough input from private health care providers. Ventura County Star.
Anthem Blue Cross Wins Medi-Cal Managed Care Deal
On Tuesday, Anthem Blue Cross announced that it had won a contract to administer Medi-Cal benefits for residents of Fresno, Kings and Madera counties. As many as 163,000 beneficiaries could be covered under the plan. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. Fresno Business Journal.
California Urged To Reconsider Mammogram Program Changes
At a state Capitol news conference yesterday, advocates and lawmakers urged California officials to cancel proposed cuts to a breast cancer screening program for low-income women. At the same time, 21 members of California’s congressional delegation sent a letter asking the state to reconsider its plan to end mammogram services for women in their 40s. Sacramento Bee, Ventura County Star.