Latest California Healthline Stories
Philip Morris Drops Challenge to S.F. Law on Tobacco Sales
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said that Philip Morris has dropped its challenge to a city law that prohibits tobacco sales at pharmacies. A federal appeals court ruled against the tobacco firm last month. Pharmacy chain Walgreens also is challenging the law. San Francisco Chronicle.
New Study Muddies Water on Efficacy of More Treatments
Researchers at six California hospitals found that in some cases heart failure patients who underwent more costly courses of treatment had higher survival rates. The study challenges earlier research questioning the value of additional treatments for some patients. New York Times‘ “Prescriptions.”
Senate, House Leaders Stare Down Options for Government-Run Plan
The inclusion of a public health plan option is a central point of negotiations as House and Senate leaders put together health care reform legislation. The Senate Finance Committee’s proposal is the only one that doesn’t include a public option. New York Times et al.
Calif. Medical Association Sues Over Licensing Board Furloughs
Yesterday, the California Medical Association filed a lawsuit arguing that Gov. Schwarzenegger acted illegally when he imposed furlough days for the Medical Board of California and reallocated $6 million from the board’s fund to help patch a state budget deficit. The medical board receives funding from physician licensing fees rather than the state general fund. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
Hospitals Might Seek Ballot Initiative To Lock In Medicaid Payments
California hospitals are considering introducing a ballot proposition that would reinforce the provisions of AB 1383. The measure imposes a fee on hospitals in order to draw down increased federal Medicaid reimbursements. Payers & Providers, San Francisco Business Times.
Blue Shield of California Dropped From High-Risk Health Insurance Pool
Recent reports suggest that Blue Shield of California charges substantially higher premiums than other private insurers who participate in the state’s Major Risk Medical Insurance Program. Blue Shield officials declined to comment on the state’s decision not to renew its contract. Los Angeles Times.
Groups To Create Medical Interpretation Certification
Language Line Services, a for-profit provider of medical interpreters, has begun working with the International Medical Interpreters Association to create a national certification program. There currently is no uniform accreditation or certification process for language interpreters in health care settings. The new group, called The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, hopes to create a written examination to test translators’ knowledge of medical ethics, privacy laws, medical terminology, and an oral exam to test language proficiency. HealthLeaders Media.
Columnist Lays Out Case for Stronger Individual Mandate
Michael Hiltzik quotes economists and other health policy experts who assert that the Senate Finance Committee’s health care reform bill would have been better if it had maintained higher penalties for individuals who go without coverage. According to Hiltzik, Congress must “keep its eye on the ball of inclusiveness” and pursue policies that will expand coverage. Los Angeles Times.
Proposed Cuts to Medicare Advantage Plans Draw Fire
President Obama’s proposal to reduce federal subsidies to Medicare Advantage plans is drawing opposition from some Medicare beneficiaries who have grown accustomed to gym memberships and other perks insurers offer in conjunction with MA plans. The president’s proposal would reduce government subsidies to MA plans by $100 billion over 10 years. Washington Post.
Forum Addresses Questions About Health Care Reform
Health policy experts at a forum sponsored by Capital Public Radio and the Sacramento Bee sought to explain health care reform proposals under consideration in Congress and answer questions posed by members of the public. The forum will be rebroadcast at 10 a.m. PT today. Capital Public Radio.