Latest California Healthline Stories
California Providers Prepare for New Managed Care Rules
This fall, California rules requiring managed care plans to ensure timely access to health care providers will take effect. Department of Managed Health Care Director Cindy Ehnes said the agency would enforce the rules when it finds patterns of noncompliance. KQED’s “The California Report.”
New Data Raise Questions About Medicare Pay Gaps
New information from the federal government calls into question earlier findings about geographic differences in Medicare reimbursements. The data suggest that much of the difference in Medicare reimbursements can be traced back to cost of living and other factors. New York Times.
Calif. Attorney General To Investigate HMOs’ Alleged Claims Denials
A new report from the California Nurses Association labor union suggests that the state’s largest HMOs rejected about one-fifth of all medical claims filed during the past seven years. Attorney General Jerry Brown said his office will investigate the allegations. Los Angeles Times et al.
Bill To Restore Healthy Families Funding Clears Calif. Legislature
Last week, both houses of the California Legislature passed a bill designed to keep children enrolled in Healthy Families. The measure would impose a tax on health insurance companies that administer benefits through Medi-Cal. Gov. Schwarzenegger has promised to sign the bill, which could preserve coverage for about 660,000 kids. Los Angeles Times et al.
Blue Shield Foundation To Award $5M in Health Grants
Last week, Blue Shield of California Foundation announced that it will award $5 million in third-quarter grants to not-for-profit health clinics and social service programs. The foundation said it expects to offer $30 million in grants this year. San Francisco Business Times.
Los Angeles To Offer Prescription Discount Cards to City Residents
Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced a new program to provide prescription discount cards to all city residents. Meanwhile, Alameda County officials unveiled a similar initiative to help county residents obtain lower drug prices. Los Angeles Times et al.
Senate Finance Panel Chair Circulates Health Care Overhaul Proposal
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus is shopping a health care reform proposal that reports indicate would create insurance co-ops instead of a public plan. Other provisions of the plan would expand Medicaid and create new taxes on insurers. New York Times et al.
President Stumps for Health Care Reform at Annual AFL-CIO Event
Speaking at the AFL-CIO’s Labor Day event yesterday, President Obama called on union members to support efforts to overhaul the U.S. health care system. Obama restated his support for a public option and challenged critics to put forward their own reform proposals. Washington Post et al.
State Faults Kaiser Facility for Patient Discharge Violation
An investigation by the California Department of Public Health concluded that a Kaiser hospital in south Sacramento did not comply with state law when a man with a brain injury was discharged to a closed homeless shelter. Kaiser must file a correction plan with the state. Sacramento Bee.
Kaiser Permanente Issues New Letter Clarifying Changes
Kaiser Permanente has issued a new letter to its 253,000 members in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties clarifying changes to its after-hours clinics that will be enacted on Nov. 2. Two weeks ago, the company sent letters to its members that contained incorrect information regarding the clinics’ closures. Stockton Record.