Latest California Healthline Stories
Stockton Nursing Home Gets State’s Stiffest Safety Penalty
The Valley Gardens Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Stockton has received an “AA” citation, the state’s harshest, and a $90,000 fine from the California Department of Health for failing to adequately protect a patient from falling. The fine results from the 2007 death of 92-year-old Robert Dorschner, whom state officials said the facility did not check as frequently as his chart recommended. Stockton Record, AP/Ventura County Star.
State Regulators Might Require Health Plans To Cover Autism Therapy
Five California families recently won administrative appeals after health insurers initially refused to cover behavioral therapy for autistic children. A recent preliminary court ruling challenged the state’s previous procedures on autism coverage. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
CalWIN Software Problems Delay, Cut Welfare Benefits
Problems with a California Department of Social Services software program to administer the state welfare program have delayed, cut or eliminated benefits for tens of thousands of state residents. Critics of the program, called CalWIN, say underlying technical glitches with the program have caused the issues. However, state officials say the program handles the majority of the 2.5 million cases without any issue. CBS 13’s “On the Money.”
Health Reform Could Jeopardize Laws in California, Other States
Health care reform legislation being considered in Congress would allow insurers to sell policies across state lines. Consumer advocates worry that such a provision would make it difficult for California and other states to enforce more stringent consumer protection laws. Los Angeles Times.
Report: Health Care Costs Would Rise Under House Reform Bill
A new CMS report estimates that the House’s reform bill would increase health care spending by $289 billion over the next decade and possibly jeopardize Medicare beneficiaries’ access to care. Unlike previous financial analyses, the CMS report did not consider tax provisions that could help offset the House bill. The CMS report was requested by House Republicans. The Hill et al.
AMA Votes To Oppose ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Policy
Last week, the American Medical Association voted to pass resolutions stating that prohibitions on same-sex marriages contribute to health disparities and to oppose the U.S. military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Paul Wertsch, a physician and member of AMA’s Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transsexual task force, said the votes were not a political statement but instead were focused on addressing inequalities in health care. Eureka Times Standard.
Experts Split Over How Public Health Insurance Would Affect California
Supporters of a government-run public health insurance option say the proposal could stimulate competition and improve health care quality in California. However, critics say a public plan would attract few residents and might have higher premium costs. San Jose Mercury News.
Health Net Offers Border-Crossing Insurance Plan
On Thursday, Health Net of California launched a health insurance plan in San Diego County that allows enrollees to receive medical services from physicians in both the U.S. and Mexico. The plan — called Salud HMO y Mas, or Health HMO and More — will be marketed to small businesses that employ Hispanic workers who live just across the border or who have immediate family members there. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Business Roundtable Backs Some Health Care Reform Provisions
In a report released yesterday, the Business Roundtable said certain health care reform provisions being considered by Congress would lower employers’ costs. However, the group of CEOs stopped short of endorsing any legislation, and it opposes a public option. CQ HealthBeat, Wall Street Journal.
Health Care Reform Opponents Step Up Efforts Against Proposals
Business lobbying groups are launching a television advertising campaign criticizing the House health reform bill. Meanwhile, the National Association of Children’s Hospitals is lobbying Congress to change a measure that would cut funding for children’s hospitals. USA Today et al.