Latest California Healthline Stories
California Could Revisit Rules on Glaucoma Treatment
In a Nov. 10 letter, California Department of Consumer Affairs Director Brian Stiger asked the state Board of Optometry to reconsider regulations that permit optometrists to treat glaucoma patients. The rules are at the center of a turf battle between optometrists and ophthalmologists in California. Orange County Register‘s “OC Watchdog.”
California Insurers Fall Short of Top Marks in New PPO Report Card
A new California report card tool rates PPOs based on care quality, consumer feedback and other factors. No health plans received the top four-star rating, but Aetna, CIGNA and Health Net of California each earned three stars. Sacramento Business Journal, AP/Ventura County Star.
U.S. Officials Detail Ruling in Favor of Health Net on Tricare Bid
The Government Accountability Office found six problems in the Pentagon’s decision to award a contract to administer military health benefits to Aetna over Health Net. GAO’s report calls for Aetna to be dropped from consideration for the nearly $17 billion deal. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.
Many IHSS Participants Must Shell Out More To Keep Receiving Services
During this summer’s budget negotiations, state lawmakers reduced subsidies for the In-Home Supportive Services program. The cuts mean that about 9,000 IHSS participants will need to contribute a higher share of the cost of services to continue receiving care. Sacramento Bee.
Suit Aims To Delay Building of Stockton Prison Hospital
On Tuesday, the Stockton Greater Chamber of Commerce, the city of Stockton and San Joaquin County filed a lawsuit seeking to block construction of a new prison medical facility near Stockton until state officials address their concerns about increased traffic, poor air quality and other issues. The new facility is intended to help address quality problems in the prison health care system. Stockton Record.
House Health Care Reform Bill Wouldn’t Bar Balance Billing
Health care reform legislation approved by the House specifically excludes balance billing from caps on consumers’ out-of-pocket expenses. Balance billing typically occurs when insured people seek emergency care at facilities that are not included in their health plans’ preferred provider networks. A California Supreme Court ruling earlier this year effectively barred balance billing for emergency department treatment in the state. Wall Street Journal‘s “Health Blog.”
Commentator Questions UC Takeover of King-Harbor
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ request that the UC system run a “new incarnation” of the Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Medical Center prompts the question of whether the UC system can run the facility better than the county’s Department of Health Services did, KPCC commentator Marc Haefele writes in an opinion piece. Los Angeles Times.
Stakeholders Weigh Impact of Cuts to Home Care in Calif.
Assembly member Noreen Evans joins leaders of advocacy groups and a representative of the state Department of Social Services to discuss the status of budget cuts to the In-Home Supportive Services program. A federal judge blocked the state’s plan to begin the cuts this month. KQED’s “Forum.”
Los Angeles County To Send At-Risk Patients to Certified Stroke Centers
Starting Monday, Los Angeles County emergency responders will begin directing suspected stroke patients to the nearest certified stroke center. The 10 designated hospitals employ specialized stroke neurologists and offer stroke rehabilitation services. Los Angeles Times.
Opinion: House Reform Bill Is ‘Pure’ Government Takeover
While health reform is necessary, it should not come “at the expense” of “what is widely regarded as the best health care system in the world” and “the majority of Americans, who like the care they currently have,” Rep. John Campbell argues. Campbell continues that the House reform bill is “2,032 pages of pure and unadulterated government takeover of health care.” Orange County Register.