Latest California Healthline Stories
Second Lawsuit on Line-Item Vetoes Has Narrower Focus
A challenge to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s line-item vetoes filed by health clinics and advocates for people with disabilities and battered women specifically targets $316 million in cuts to health and social service programs. A similar suit that Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg filed Monday targets all of the line-item vetoes. San Francisco Chronicle.
Calif. Insurance Exchange Experience Informs Debate
A report prepared for the California HealthCare Foundation outlines major obstacles that contributed to the demise of PacAdvantage, a health insurance exchange in California that launched in 1993 and shut down in 2006. The report found that the exchange’s greatest challenge was that it catered to a disproportionate number of high-risk individuals and groups. HealthLeaders Media.
CalPERS To Share in $925M Settlement From UnitedHealth Lawsuit
UnitedHealth Group and its former CEO William McGuire will pay $925 million to settle a lawsuit CalPERS and other shareholders filed against the company. The complaint alleged that the insurer overstated its profit by manipulating stock options. Sacramento Bee.
Advocates Launch Site To Help With Hospital Charges
The California Initiative on Overcharging and Uninsurance has launched a new Web site intended to help consumers understand their rights and options for dealing with hospital charges. A 2007 California law bars hospitals in the state from charging uninsured patients more than they charge Medicare. Contra Costa Times, KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
UC-Davis Secures Another $1.2M in Stimulus Money
The UC-Davis Health System will use $1.2 million from the federal economic stimulus package for projects at its stem cell research program, its children’s hospital, neurology research, a women’s health program and a disaster preparedness effort. Sacramento Business Journal.
Federal Judge Urges Deal in Suit Over Vets’ Mental Health Services
A federal judge in San Francisco called on two military veterans’ advocacy groups to negotiate an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The judge said the advocacy groups are seeking a settlement that the courts likely could not deliver. San Francisco Chronicle.
Governor Proposes New Reforms for Boards That Oversee Health Workers
Yesterday, Gov. Schwarzenegger called for sweeping reforms to all state agencies that license and discipline health professionals. Proposed changes include adding more investigators, appointing an audit officer and installing a computer tracking system. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Coalition Set To Mount Major Ad Campaign in Favor of Health Reform
Health care advocates, industry groups and a labor union are set to kick off a $12 million advertising campaign aimed at rallying support for President Obama’s health care reform efforts. The first ad will run for two weeks in 12 states. Politico.
More California Health Plans Ending Contracts With Health Providers
During the past few years, more health insurance companies have initiated contract terminations with California hospitals because of disputes over fees and service reimbursements. A review of records indicates that Anthem Blue Cross has terminated nine contracts this year. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Ventura Veterans Home Will Admit First Residents Nov. 1
On Tuesday, the administrator of a veterans home currently under construction in Ventura said the project will be complete in October and the facility will begin admitting its first residents on Nov. 1. The facility will feature 60 beds, including 24 double-occupancy rooms and 12 private rooms. Ventura County Star.