Latest California Healthline Stories
U.S. Supreme Court Weighs In on Denial of Veterans’ Medical Claims
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it is up to veterans to show that actions by the Department of Veterans Affairs contributed the denial of medical claims the veterans submit. The ruling reverses a lower court decision that VA has to prove its actions did not affect the claims denials. AP/Kansas City Star.
Experts Say Medicare Key to U.S. Health Care Reform
On Tuesday, health care experts told the Senate Finance Committee that making Medicare more efficient was the key to overhauling the U.S. health care system. The experts suggested increasing Medicare’s focus on follow-up care to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer.
Consumers Questions Some of Obama’s EHR Promises
A new poll by NPR, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health found that while consumers agree with President Obama that electronic health records would improve health care quality, they do not think EHRs would reduce costs or remain confidential. NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
Opinion Piece Touts Homeless Medical Respite Project
In an opinion piece, Jill Magri, COO of Kaiser Foundation Hospital-San Rafael and chair of the Homeless Medical Respite Steering Committee, Mary Kay Sweeney, executive director of Homeward Bound, and Julie Van Winkle, a policy analyst for the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, argue that a new transitional safety net respite program for homeless patients “could not be more timely.” Marin Independent Journal.
Lawmaker Urges Inquiry Into AIG’s Denial of Medical Care
Rep. Elijah Cummings wants the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to investigate whether American International Group and other health plans unnecessarily denied and delayed expensive medical treatment for civilian contractors injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Cummings also has called for an investigation into the Labor Department’s role in managing the federally financed health insurance system for civilians working abroad. Los Angeles Times.
Kaiser Permanente CEO Receives Health IT Award
On Tuesday, the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange awarded Kaiser Permanente CEO and Chair George Halvorson the 2009 Louis Sullivan Award. The national award recognizes leaders for demonstrating vision and helping to advance the overall quality and efficiency of U.S. health care. San Francisco Business Times.
Sebelius Nomination as HHS Secretary Proceeds to Full Senate for Vote
Two Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee joined all Democratic committee members in voting to send the nomination of Kansas Gov. Sebelius as HHS secretary to the full Senate. A confirmation vote could be scheduled for later this week. Wall Street Journal et al.
For-Profit Hospital Chain in California at Risk of Losing Medicare Funds
Inspectors from the California Department of Public Health have informed Southwest Healthcare System that it will be ineligible for Medicare reimbursements by July 15 if it doesn’t correct problems identified in an inspection last month. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Contra Costa County OKs $1.5 Million for Clinics, Orders Study
Contra Costa County supervisors will shift $1.5 million from county reserves to help county clinics deal with an expected increase in patients. Supervisors also ordered a study to size up the county’s options for covering the rising costs of health care services. Contra Costa Times.
Key U.S. Senate Leaders Confirm Timeline for Health Care Reform
In a letter to President Obama, Sens. Max Baucus and Edward Kennedy reinforced their intention to tackle legislation to overhaul the health care system in June. Meanwhile, liberal activists have become increasingly concerned that Obama might give some ground on a public health insurance plan, an issue with considerable support on the political left. CQ HealthBeat et al.