Latest California Healthline Stories
HHS Inspector General Chides Fraud Prevention for Part D
A report from HHS’ Office of Inspector General said that efforts to prevent fraud in Medicare Part D — the prescription drug benefit — were hampered by inadequate access to information from pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers and physicians. The report indicated that in fiscal year 2008, 87% of fraud investigations stemmed from complaints, not proactive investigations. HealthLeaders Media.
Garamendi Wins House Seat, Adds Another Vote for Health Care Reform
Yesterday, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi won a special election to represent California’s 10th district in the House of Representatives. The former insurance commissioner said he will vote with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on health care reform measures. CQ Today et al.
Health Net Third-Quarter Earnings Beat Expectations
Los Angeles-based Health Net announced that its third-quarter earnings beat analysts’ expectations largely because of strong sales in Western states and lower administrative costs. The company had a third-quarter net loss of $66 million, or 64 cents per share, but much of that was attributed to charges related to the pending sale of its Northeast division of UnitedHealth Group. Excluding special items, Health Net posted earnings of $69.6 million, or 67 cents per share, above analysts’ expectations of 61 cents per share. Los Angeles Times.
New Amendments to House Bill Unveiled, Setting Stage for Vote
Yesterday, Democratic House leaders unveiled a manager’s amendment to health care reform legislation under consideration in the chamber. The amendment includes language that would provide funding to help states regulate insurers and bar undocumented immigrants from participating in new high-risk insurance pools. The Hill‘s “Blog Briefing Room.”
San Joaquin Co., Stockton To Sue Over Prison Hospital
On Tuesday, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and the Stockton City Council separately voted unanimously to file a lawsuit over a state plan to build a 1.2 million square-foot prison health facility in Stockton. Leaders from both organizations said that the California Health Care Facility would further strain the shortage of medical and mental health providers in the area. Stockton Record.
Report: Nursing Home Abuse Cases Might Be Going Underreported
A recent report finds that California’s nursing home ombudsman program has filed fewer complaints since state budget cuts took effect last year. The report’s authors warn that this could indicate that some elder abuse cases are going unreported. AP/Riverside Press-Enterprise.
House Republicans Roll Out Alternative to Democratic Reform Plan
Health care reform legislation that House Republicans plan to introduce leaked last night, sparking immediate criticism from Democrats. The Republican proposal resurrects ideas to create association health plans and other GOP health care efforts from recent years. The Hill‘s “Blog Briefing Room.”
New Bill Would Require Paid Sick Leave To Help Curb Flu
On Tuesday, California Rep. George Miller introduced legislation that would require all employers with 15 or more workers to offer up to five paid sick days for employees who contract influenza and other contagious illnesses. Miller said the bill targets low-income workers in food service and other professions. Contra Costa Times.
Food Stamp Antifraud Efforts Coming Up Short in California
In a report released Tuesday, state Auditor Elaine Howle wrote that efforts to combat fraud in California’s food stamp program and CalWORKS do not verify cost effectiveness and lack mechanisms to improve efforts. The report estimates that the state could yield significant savings from early detection of fraud in the two programs. Central Valley Business Times.
Insurance Premiums on the Rise in San Joaquin Valley, Across California
Experts say health insurance premiums in San Joaquin Valley are 10% to 15% higher than last year, compared with an average nationwide increase of 5%. Officials note that California tends to have higher premiums and health care costs than the rest of the country. Fresno Bee.