Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill To Expand Children’s Coverage Expected To Address Immigrants
Democratic legislators have indicated that they will add language to legislation to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program that would permit documented immigrants to receive federally funded health benefits in their first five years in the country. New York Times et al.
Republicans Named To Lead Senate Health Reform Efforts
On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell named Sens. Mike Enzi, Chuck Grassley, Judd Gregg and Orrin Hatch to lead Senate Republican health care reform efforts. Office of Senator Mitch McConnell release.
Lines Drawn in Budget Battle Over Funds for First 5, Prop. 63
Gov. Schwarzenegger and Republican legislators have included provisions in their budget proposals that would shift funds from California’s First 5 program for early childhood health care and education programs and Proposition 63, which funds mental health services. Democratic legislators oppose the measures, which would have to go before voters for approval. Sacramento Bee.
UnitedHealth Agrees To Overhaul Payment Database
In a settlement announced Tuesday with New York state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, UnitedHealth has agreed to overhaul the databases the industry uses to determine the true market value of out-of-network health services received by plan members. The settlement follows a yearlong investigation that found that the databases had understated true market rates by up to 28%. New York Times.
California Education Department Working on Rules for Insulin Shots
In November 2008, a court overturned a 2007 measure that allowed trained school staff — in addition to nurses — to administer insulin shots. The ruling has pushed the state Department of Education to revise rules for who can administer insulin to students with diabetes. Ventura County Star.
Employer Group Touts Plan for Universal Coverage
On Monday, the American Benefits Council rolled out a plan that would require all Americans to obtain health insurance coverage as part of an effort to achieve universal coverage. The American Benefits Council represents Fortune 500 firms that offer or administer health plans. Dow Jones.
Army Proposal To Encourage More Soldiers To Seek Help
Army leaders are working on a proposal to end a policy that requires the notification of a commanding officer when a soldier voluntarily seeks counseling, according to Army Secretary Pete Geren. The proposal aims to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care and encourage more soldiers to seek help. USA Today.
Survey: Costs Drive Insured Residents To Skimp on Care
U.S. residents with commercial or Medicare health coverage skip care because of the cost, according to a new survey commissioned by Aetna. The survey found that 18% of U.S. residents stopped taking a prescription medication in the past year because of the cost, while one in four U.S. residents delayed scheduling an annual physical, nearly one in three delayed non-urgent care and nearly one in five skipped a physician visit because of the cost. Dow Jones.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for January 12
The Colorado governor is negotiating with hospitals in the state over a new fee that would help expand health insurance coverage, and the governor of Massachusetts is expediting efforts aimed at controlling increasing health care costs in the state.
Plan To Consolidate Union for Long-Term Care Workers Wins OK
The board of the Service Employees International Union has asked officials to begin plans to form a single union for long-term care and home health workers from three California union locals. One of the affected unions is moving to break off from SEIU. San Francisco Chronicle et al.