Latest California Healthline Stories
CalPERS Panel Negotiates Lowest HMO Rate Increase in Decade
The 2009 monthly HMO premium increases will range from about 4% for Blue Shield of California plans to 8% for Kaiser Permanente coverage. Kaiser’s proposal drew criticism from members of the CalPERS Health Benefits Committee. A Kaiser spokesperson defended the pitch, pointing out that Blue Shield’s bid was lower because a rollover credit was applied. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Sonoma County Creates Fund for Retiree Health Benefits
On Tuesday, Sonoma County supervisors voted unanimously to create a trust fund for retiree health benefits and to set aside $7 million for the fund. The health benefits trust fund aims to address the rising costs of covering county employees’ retiree benefits. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Nurse Calls for Single-Payer Health Care System
Malinda Markowitz, a registered nurse in San Jose and a member of the Council of Presidents of the California Nurses Association, writes in an opinion piece that the health care reform plans of Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama do not go far enough. She writes, “Only one solution will end this national health care crisis — a single-payer health care, perhaps one modeled on an expanded and improved Medicare for all.” San Francisco Chronicle.
UC Tobacco Researchers Protest Proposal To Reorganize Programs
Three researchers at a state research program focused on tobacco-related illnesses are leading the opposition to a UC proposal to reorganize oversight and administration of the tobacco program and other research initiatives. San Francisco Chronicle.
Hospitals Participating in CMS Pilot Show Improvement
CMS said that hospitals participating in the third year of its Hospital Quality Incentive Demonstration showed significant improvement. CMS has awarded more than $24.5 million over the first three years of the pay-for-performance project. Acting CMS Administrator Kerry Weems said the results build the case to adopt hospital value-based purchasing. CMS press release.
Camarillo To Be Site of New Prison Health Care Facility
On Tuesday, J. Clark Kelso, the court-appointed receiver for California’s prison health care system, said Camarillo will be the site of one of seven stand-alone prison health care facilities that will be built under a $7 billion construction plan. Construction on the 1,500 inmate health care facility on the grounds of the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility is set to begin as early as next year. Ventura County Star.
State Fines Anaheim Nursing Home in Patient Death
State health regulators have fined Parkview Healthcare, an Anaheim nursing home, $50,000 in the death of a patient who choked and did not receive “prompt emergency medical care.” According to the state documents, the patient’s health record incorrectly included a “do not resuscitate” order. Orange County Register.
California Prison Health Care Receiver Preparing Request To Seize Funds
A spokesperson for the California controller warned that a court order requiring the state to use money from the general fund to build prison medical facilities likely would force the funds to be diverted from payments to health care providers, schools and other efforts. Los Angeles Times.
CalPERS Committee Set To Announce HMO Premiums for 2009
Health care stakeholders await the announcement to see if CalPERS’ actions to avoid premium increases for PPO members next year pressured Kaiser Permanente and Blue Shield of California into limiting HMO premium increases. Sacramento Bee.
Assembly Committee Votes Down Legislation on Pharmacy Mailings
Sen. Ron Calderon’s bill to allow pharmacies to partner with drug makers to send reminder letters to patients about prescription refills was defeated in the Assembly Health Committee. Privacy advocates were widely critical of the measure. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.