Latest California Healthline Stories
Other Economic Issues Trumping Health Care in Presidential Election
Polls show that energy issues have passed health care in importance among many voters. Presidential candidates Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama continue to hit on the issue, and advocacy groups are spending millions of dollars to keep attention on health care in Congress’ 2009 agenda. New York Times.
Medi-Cal Reimbursement Freeze Cripples Some Clinics
Leaders of medical safety net facilities in Merced say that the Medi-Cal payment halt stemming from the budget deadlock is raising concerns about how facilities will continue to fund services. Merced Sun-Star.
Healthy Kids Program Boosts Dental Care in Santa Clara County
Researchers credit the county’s Healthy Kids program with improving access to dental care, prompting the co-author of a new study to conclude that giving children access to health insurance helps prevent more serious health conditions that are more costly to treat. San Jose Mercury News.
Insurance Chief Inks Deal With Health Net Over Rescissions
Health Net will reinstate coverage for more than 900 people whose policies it rescinded and pay at least $3.6 million in fines. The agreement with Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner drew criticism from attorneys pursuing separate actions against Health Net. Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Health Plans, Hospitals Make Case for Flat Fee System
Some health plans and hospitals want to overhaul the health insurance payment system. They argue that switching to a managed care-like flat fee per patient that is adjusted for age and illness would facilitate cost-efficient care that focuses on prevention. BusinessWeek.