Latest California Healthline Stories
Appeals Court Ruling Delays Prison Health Care Plans
On Friday, a federal appeals court at least temporarily blocked prison health care receiver J. Clark Kelso’s efforts to have Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger held in contempt for not providing the first $250 million in funding to build seven prison health care facilities throughout the state. An appeals court hearing on the issue could be held in early March. Kelso acknowledged that the court ruling will push back his plan. Ventura County Star et al.
Economy Jumps Ahead of Health Care Reform on Congress’ Agenda
Congress will delay action on comprehensive health care reform proposals until measures have been passed to jumpstart the U.S. economy. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said action on health care reform likely would not occur in the first one or two months of the next congressional session. Washington Post et al.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for Nov. 10
Minnesota and Wisconsin have reached agreements to expand their versions of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Utah insurers have launched a product aimed at people between jobs. Meanwhile, New Jersey is considering legislation barring payments for treatment stemming from medical errors.
Debate on Eligibility Verification Threatens Family PACT Funding
California could lose federal funding for a program that provides family planning services if it does not agree to verify that each program beneficiary meets federal citizenship requirements. State officials maintain that the change in policy would not be cost effective in part because it would cost California $128 million annually for 1,300 new employees. Contra Costa Times.
California Physicians Face Ongoing Delay in Medicare Payments
Some California physicians are declining to treat Medicare beneficiaries because of months-long reimbursement delays. Critics argue that CMS should not have changed Medicare claims processors for California two months after adopting a new reimbursement protocol. Los Angeles Times.
Parental Notification Supporters To Try Again
Proponents of Proposition 4 say they will try again to pass a parental notification measure. Proposition 4, which was defeated by voters last week, would have required parental notification and a 48-hour waiting period for minors seeking an abortion. Oakland Tribune.
Governor’s Proposed Cuts to Health, Social Services Draw Fire
Lt. Gov. Garamendi joined health, education and labor groups in opposing Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposals to cut $4.5 billion in spending from the state budget, including $950 million from health and human services. Many of the proposed spending cuts were rejected earlier this year. Sacramento Bee.
Health Care Reform Efforts Face Hurdles in California
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal to overhaul the state’s health care system faced serious hurdles, and some health care stakeholders question whether states can bear the costs of expanding health insurance coverage. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
CMS To Target California Medical Equipment Fraud
CMS recently announced that California is one of seven states where it will more aggressively combat medical equipment fraud. A July Government Accountability report found that CMS improperly paid $1 billion for medical equipment between April 2006 and March 2007 in part because of supplier fraud. CMS officials plan to more closely review payment claims, perform background checks and make unannounced visits to equipment suppliers. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Ventura County Patients Skip Care Because of Economy
The economy is driving some Ventura County residents to postpone or cancel medical procedures, according to area doctors. An October Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that nationwide, 36% of Americans are postponing medical care because of the cost. Ventura County Star.