Latest California Healthline Stories
CalPERS Considering Bids From Four Health Insurers for Contract
Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California and Health Net have submitted bids to provide health insurance benefits to California public employees through CalPERS. Blue Shield of California currently holds the contract. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.
Former L.A. Mayor Questions Budget Ballot Measures
In a Los Angeles Times opinion piece, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan argues that the ballot measures up for vote in the May 19 special election should raise questions for taxpayers. He writes that he could be persuaded to support the May ballot measures, “but only if the governor and Legislature take action to truly restructure government and cut costs now, not after the May vote.” Los Angeles Times.
Sebelius Expected To Stump for Health Care Reform at Hearing
Kathleen Sebelius, President Obama’s nominee for HHS chief, will tell a Senate committee today that the current health care system is unsustainable. Sebelius’ testimony comes on the heels of an HHS report underscoring the administration’s case for reform. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters/Boston Globe.
Some Providers Question Health Insurance Web Site
Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has been urging recently unemployed workers to visit the Foundation for Health Coverage Education’s coverageforall.org Web site, but some health care providers in inland Southern California are questioning the site’s usefulness. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
U.S. Supreme Court Declines To Halt Healthy S.F. Funding Rule
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association’s request for an order barring San Francisco from requiring restaurant owners to contribute to employee health care was rejected. The U.S. Supreme Court has not announced if it will hear the restaurant group’s challenge, which maintains that the employer requirement violates a 1974 federal law. San Francisco Chronicle.
Kaiser Hospital Workers Fired for Viewing Suleman’s Record
Fifteen employees at Kaiser Permanente Bellflower Medical Center were fired and eight were disciplined for improperly accessing the electronic health records of Nadya Suleman, who recently gave birth to octuplets. A Kaiser Permanente spokesperson said that the computer breaches were discovered about 10 days ago and that state authorities and Suleman were notified. Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of March 30
Last week, the Colorado House gave preliminary approval to a bill to increase fees on hospitals to fund an expansion of state health care programs. Meanwhile, efforts to increase enrollment in the Cover Florida program during its first two months have not been very effective.
Coalition Releases Health Care Reform Proposal
On Friday, a coalition of hospitals, health plans, employers, physicians, drug makers and consumers released a report endorsing policy changes that could cut the number of uninsured U.S. residents by 50%. The group, called the Health Reform Dialogue, supports an individual mandate that would require all U.S. residents to have some form of health coverage. Washington Post.
Opinion Pieces Weigh Pros, Cons of Public Insurance Plan
In a Sacramento Bee opinion piece, Micah Weinberg, a senior research fellow in the California Program of the New America Foundation, argues in favor of creating a public insurance plan that competes fairly with private plans. He writes, “A Medicare-type plan or no public plan at all is a false choice.” The Bee also featured a point/counterpoint on whether health care reform should include the a public insurance plan option. Sacramento Bee.
Stimulus Funds Will Not Let State Avoid Medi-Cal Cuts, Tax Hikes
California Treasurer Bill Lockyer and Finance Director Mike Genest determined that the state will receive $8.2 billion from the federal economic stimulus package for general budget relief, short of the $10 billion needed. As a result, cuts to Medi-Cal, reimbursements for public hospitals and tax increases included in the budget deal signed last month will take effect. KPBS’ “KPBS News” et al.