Latest California Healthline Stories
Report Finds Major Shortage of Dentists in Some California Counties
Researchers from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that the shortage of dentists is particularly acute in rural counties, although some parts of Los Angeles County also are considered underserved. Los Angeles Times.
Judge Rules in Favor of Blue Shield in Rescissions Lawsuit
On Thursday, a judge ruled that Blue Shield of California acted appropriately when it rescinded a California man’s health insurance policy. The case was the first dealing with rescissions to go before a jury, although the judge’s rare directed verdict ruling supersedes a jury’s findings. Los Angeles Times, AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Survey: Residents Willing To Prioritize Health Coverage
A new survey by the Sacramento-based Center for Healthcare Decisions found that California residents understand that health insurance cannot cover everything and are willing to prioritize health care. According to the report, Californians believe that health insurance should save lives, prevent illness and help maintain or improve basic functions of life. Sacramento Business Journal.
Many Hospitals Do Not Report Action Against Doctors to Database
Nationwide, more than half of hospitals have never reported a disciplinary action against a doctor to a national database intended to help identify problem physicians. Fewer than one-third of facilities in California have never filed a report. Contra Costa Times et al.
Sacramento County Reopens Mental Health Center
On Wednesday, officials announced that the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center is accepting new patients again. Last Friday, the facility closed its doors to new patients in response to overcrowding. Sacramento Bee.
Massachusetts Health Care Overhaul Sees Gains, Setbacks
Rising health care costs and the economic recession are threatening to undermine some of the gains made from the Massachusetts’ 2006 health care overhaul, according to an annual survey. Still, the state continued to measure improvements in the percentage of residents who reported having a steady source of health care in 2008. The survey, published today in the journal Health Affairs, was conducted by the Urban Institute and funded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Commonwealth Fund. Boston Globe, New York Times.
Advocates Mobilize Against Cuts To Health Care Services in Calif.
California lawmakers heard from health care advocates, providers and beneficiaries of programs for which Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting state funding in his budget proposal. Media reports indicate that both Democrats and Republicans appear reluctant to eliminate altogether Healthy Families and other programs. Los Angeles Times et al.
Health Net Settles With California Hospitals in Policy Rescission Suit
Health Net has agreed to pay nearly $2 million to California hospitals for services provided to patients whose policies were rescinded. Health Net did not admit wrongdoing, but the insurer has agreed to revise its rescission policies. San Fernando Valley Business Journal et al.
New Research Points to ‘Hidden Tax’ To Pay for Care for the Uninsured
Families USA released a study today indicating that the average U.S. family and their employer pay more than $1,000 annually to help cover the cost of health care services for people without health insurance. USA Today, AP/Austin American-Statesman.
CBO: Implications of Individual Mandate Depend on Competition
A Congressional Budget Office report concludes that requiring individuals to maintain health insurance coverage would not be considered a major expansion of the federal government so long as there is an array of private plans and the government doesn’t oversee premiums. Washington Post.