Latest California Healthline Stories
Blue Shield Fires Broker for Selling Combined Plans
Blue Shield of California’s firing of an insurance broker who sold a high-deductible plan combined with a savings account to a small employer increases the stakes on how brokers write high-deductible plans. Other health plans could follow Blue Shield’s lead. Sacramento Business Journal.
California Senate Republicans’ Plan With Health Cuts Rejected
For the third time in three weeks, California legislators have rejected a budget proposal. Senate Republicans called for $1.6 billion in additional budget cuts, largely to health care and human services programs. Gov. Schwarzenegger reacted by urging the Legislature to take up his compromise budget proposal. Sacramento Bee et al.
More Students Go To School Unvaccinated, Study Finds
A Scripps Howard News Service review of incomplete surveys submitted to CDC found that at least 135,000 children starting kindergarten last fall were exempt from vaccine requirements. Experts say more parents are refusing to vaccinate their children because of concerns that the vaccinations are harmful or because of the growing cost and complexity of receiving the shots. Ventura County Star.
Medical Malpractice Insurer Files for Rate Reduction
The Doctors Co. has filed with California regulators for an average 18.2% reduction in medical malpractice rates. Most California doctors covered by the medical malpractice insurer would see rate reductions from 10% to 30%, the company said. San Francisco Business Times.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for September 8
Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri’s request to set limits on state Medicaid spending has “alarmed” congressional Democrats and advocacy groups. Meanwhile, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo are stumping for a plan to expand health coverage to more children.
FDA Kicks Off Project To Announce Drugs Under Review for Safety Issues
Four times a year, FDA plans to publish lists of drugs suspected of potential safety problems. Inclusion on the list does not mean that the medication is unsafe, only that adverse events have been reported related to its use. Legislation passed last year requires the disclosure. Washington Post et al.
Federal Grant Helps Fund Opening of Dental Clinic
This summer, Proyecto del Barrio in Winnetka opened a dental clinic aimed at serving beneficiaries of Medi-Cal — California’s Medicaid program — and other underserved populations. The clinic was funded partially by a $180,000 earmark by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.). Los Angeles Daily News.
Democratic Leaders in Congress Drop Plans for Vote on Kids’ Insurance
Democratic congressional leaders said they have decided against holding a vote on a bill to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program partly because of the bill’s rising costs. President Bush has pledged to veto the measure, as he did with similar legislation last year. New York Times.
Health Care Providers Protest California Budget Deadlock
On Friday, representatives of hospitals, nursing homes, adult care centers and community clinics argued that facilities could shut down if lawmakers do not approve a budget and permit Medi-Cal payments to resume. Advocates are calling for an emergency appropriation, but Gov. Schwarzenegger said such a move would exacerbate the state budget deficit. Sacramento Bee et al.
Health Care To Remain Key Political Issue in California
In an opinion piece, Dan Walters writes that “health care will remain on the Capitol’s front burner.” He adds, “No other political issue directly affects more people, is more complex, or generates more emotion. … And no other segment of the California economy involves so much money.” (Walters, Sacramento Bee, 9/8).