Latest California Healthline Stories
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 24, 2009
California Pacific Medical Center confirmed reports that it would cut 200 jobs to help shore up its bottom line after its parent company Sutter Health reported major losses from investments last year. Meanwhile, registered nurses at Parkview Community Hospital in Riverside approved a contract.
WellPoint Makes Its Way Into National Debate on Health Care Reform
The health insurer called more than three million people last week, sparking speculation that WellPoint is building a campaign to influence the health care debate in Congress. The company spent $2 million on a campaign opposing Gov. Schwarzenegger’s reform plan in 2007. Sacramento Bee.
Group Recommends Lower Workers’ Comp Rate Increase
On Thursday, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau announced that it is recommending that workers’ compensation insurers increase their pure premium rates by 23.7% beginning July 1 instead of the 24.4% increase it proposed last month. Sacramento Business Journal.
California, Other States Sue Over Provider Conscience Rule
California is one of eight states suing over the provider conscience rule that allows health care workers to refuse to provide medical services that conflict with their religious beliefs. The rule was one of the “midnight regulations” signed in the last days of Bush’s presidency. KQED’s “California Report.”
L.A. Pushes To Unseal Blue Shield Rescission Records
Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo is pushing for a judge to unseal Blue Shield records regarding alleged bonuses given to health plan administrators who find reasons to rescind coverage from members with expensive medical bills. Such bonuses are illegal. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Confirmation Vote for Sebelius at HHS Pushed Back to Next Week
Senate leaders have reached an agreement to vote April 28 on the nomination of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as secretary of HHS. Meanwhile, the chair of the Republican National Committee has called for the nomination to be withdrawn unless Sebelius answers more questions about abortion rights. Roll Call et al.
CalPERS PPO Premium Break Could Boost State General Fund
California could save more than $130 million in general fund money if the Legislature and Gov. Schwarzenegger sign off on a CalPERS proposal to use reserve funds to waive premium contributions for CalPERS PPO coverage for two months. The move would not affect premiums for workers enrolled in HMO plans. Sacramento Bee.
State Sells Bonds To Resume Funding for Public Projects
On Wednesday, state Treasurer Bill Lockyer sold $6.85 billion in general obligation bonds to investors, freeing up state funding for more than 5,000 stalled public works projects, including hospital expansion efforts. San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee.
New Research Links Negative Public Health Factors to Foreclosures
The Alameda County Public Health Department and the advocacy group Just Cause Oakland are pointing to the rise in foreclosures as a major factor that is negatively affecting public health in the area. Advocates say local leaders should do more to stave off foreclosures. Oakland Tribune.
CalPERS Rolls Out Integrated Care Pilot Project in Capital Area
CalPERS is working with Blue Shield of California, Catholic Healthcare West and Hill Physicians Medical Group on a pilot program aimed at creating an integrated care system in hopes of controlling rising health care costs more effectively. Eligible workers can sign up for the initiative during the fall enrollment process. Sacramento Bee.