Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Net Seeking To Offer Coverage to CalPERS in 2011
Health Net of California has submitted a proposal to provide health coverage for CalPERS members beginning in 2011. Blue Shield of California currently holds the CalPERS contract and is expected to fight hard to renew it. Kaiser Permanente also offers coverage to CalPERS members. Sacramento Business Journal.
Calif. Data Show Wide Variation in Frequency of Surgical Procedures
Counties with the largest populations in California report smaller rates of four surgical procedures than counties with fewer people, according to data the state released yesterday. The data could prompt a wider discussion of the way doctors practice in California. HealthLeaders Media.
New Health Care Union Seeks To Strip Members From Rival
The National Labor Relations Board is reviewing a number of petitions from the recently formed National Union of Healthcare Workers seeking to let health care workers choose between being represented by NUHW or the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West. NUHW was founded by former leaders of UHW-W about nine months ago. Sacramento Business Journal.
Poizner Releases Budget Plan That Would Reduce Spending on Medi-Cal
Yesterday, Republican gubernatorial candidate and Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said his economic proposal would help California balance its budget with a mix of tax cuts and spending reductions on Medi-Cal, prison health care and other welfare programs. Sacramento Bee.
Medicare Premiums Will Rise Above $100 Monthly for First Time Next Year
Yesterday, federal officials announced that monthly premiums for Medicare Part B would rise to more than $100 next year. Nearly three-quarters of Medicare beneficiaries will be shielded from the premium hike because the jump exceeds increases in their Social Security benefits. New York Times.
Justice Department Unveils Change in Marijuana Policy
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice provided guidelines to U.S. attorneys in California and 13 other states explaining that they should not prioritize cases against people who use or provide marijuana in compliance with state medical marijuana laws. California voters legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes in 1996. Sacramento Bee et al.
AHIP Chief Defends Insurers’ Study on Health Reform Bill
In an opinion piece, Karen Ignagni, president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans, wrote that health insurers remain supportive of health care reform efforts, despite criticism following the release of an AHIP-commissioned study that said the Senate Finance Committee’s plan would result in higher costs. Ignagni called on Congress to strengthen the requirement for individuals to obtain coverage. Washington Post.
Nurses Union Threatens To Strike at 34 Hospitals Over H1N1 Preparation
The California Nurses Association labor union said it intends to strike at 34 hospitals on Oct. 30 unless the health centers improve their efforts to curb H1N1 influenza. CNA said it is concerned about inadequate access to protective masks. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Stockton Record.
Lawsuit Between San Joaquin Co., Doctors Wrapping Up
On Tuesday, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors will vote on a settlement that would end a three-year-old lawsuit and allow county-employed doctors into the county’s retirement system and provide incentive pay. A group of physicians in October 2006 filed a class-action lawsuit against the county and the board of the San Joaquin County Employees Retirement Association seeking to be included in the county retirement system. Stockton Record.
Judge Orders State To Halt Cuts to In-Home Supportive Services
Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting California’s In-Home Supportive Services program from dropping participants or reducing services. Wilken also ordered the state to send notices reassuring 130,000 IHSS participants that their services would continue. State officials said they will comply with the order. Los Angeles Times et al.