Latest California Healthline Stories
Prescription Drug Copays for Some Drugs on the Rise
People with health care coverage are paying a percentage of the cost of hundreds of prescription drugs in lieu of a traditional fixed copayment. Insurers have adopted the practice in the face of rising drug prices. New York Times.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of April 14
Maine lawmakers consider a fixed fee on claims paid by health insurers to support the state’s Dirigo Choice program, which will run out of funding next year. Meanwhile, regulators in Massachusetts authorize higher premiums under the state’s health insurance law.
Capacity of Psychiatric Beds Drops in California Hospitals
A report from the Treatment Advocacy Center found that California has 17 psychiatric beds in public hospitals for each 100,000 residents, mirroring a nationwide trend. Researchers say California needs double that number to adequately care for people with mental illnesses. Los Angeles Daily News.
Lawmakers Move To Tighten Rules on Policy Cancellations
An editorial maintains that the Assembly Health Committee’s unanimous approval of legislation (AB 1945) demonstrates California lawmakers’ concerns about health insurers’ practices of canceling individual health insurance policies. The bill would require insurers to get approval from a third-party reviewer before terminating coverage. Sacramento Bee.
Sutter Health Reports 7% Increase in Revenue for 2007
Sutter Health officials said overall earnings for 2007 were flat compared with 2006, despite a 4% increase in operating income and a 7% jump in revenue. A Sutter official attributed the flat earnings to changes in the investment market and a change in accounting rules. Sacramento Bee.
Doctors Get Less Severe Penalties Than Other Staff for Data Breaches
The California Department of Public Health said 14 doctors were among the 53 employees at UCLA Medical Center who breached pop star Britney Spears’ medical records on two occasions. None of the physicians quit or were fired, while 18 other employees resigned, retired or were dismissed. Los Angeles Times.
Coverage of Transplants for Undocumented Immigrants Stirs Debate
Critics argue that undocumented immigrants should not be allowed on the waiting lists for organ transplants and that Medi-Cal shouldn’t pay for such transplants. Adult undocumented immigrants can get Medi-Cal coverage in some special circumstances. Los Angeles Times.
Governor Asks for $7 Billion for Prison Health Care Upgrades
The plan would create nearly 10,500 new health care beds in California’s prison system in hopes of satisfying a federal court order for improvements to prison health care. The new proposal would increase the cost of the state’s prison construction plans to $14.7 billion. A Senate panel will hold a hearing on the proposal today. Sacramento Bee et al.
Bill Would Bar Nursing Home Arbitration Agreements
On Wednesday, Sens. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.) introduced federal legislation that would prohibit nursing homes from requiring patients to sign an arbitration agreement as a term of service. Under arbitration agreements, nursing home residents and their families agree to settle disputes through a third-party arbiter and waive their right to sue. Wall Street Journal.
Administration Backs Extension of Nursing Home Pay Increase
State officials say a study finding limited improvements in patient care following a Medi-Cal rate increase was premature but agree that some changes are in order when the law comes up for reauthorization next year. San Diego Union-Tribune, San Francisco Examiner.