Latest California Healthline Stories
New WellPoint Policy on ‘Never Events’ Will Apply to California Subsidiary
WellPoint’s announcement that it will no longer reimburse hospitals for preventable medical errors applies to all of its Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, including Anthem Blue Cross in California. Medicare adopted a similar policy last year. San Francisco Chronicle, East Bay Business Times.
Suit Challenging Role of Regulators in Health Plan Disputes Rejected
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit tried to force California’s Department of Managed Health Care to heighten its role in disagreements over health plans’ decisions on what treatments and services should be covered. Plaintiffs plan to appeal the ruling. Los Angeles Daily Journal.
Boxer: Bill Would Improve Care for American Indians
The Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which recently passed in the Senate, “aims to improve the administration of Indian health programs and expand and increase access to health care for Native Americans,” Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), co-sponsor of the bill, writes in an opinion piece. Eureka Times-Standard
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 4, 2008
San Francisco officials revealed details of an $887.4 million renovation plan for San Francisco General Hospital that will go before voters in November. Meanwhile, Sonoma Valley residents prepare to head to the polls for a $45 million bond measure for expanding Sonoma Valley Hospital.
Los Angeles VA Expands HIV Testing Efforts for Veterans
On Tuesday, the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System began providing oral rapid HIV tests in downtown Los Angeles at no cost to veterans as part of a campaign to encourage testing and treatment. A local VA official said the area has a high concentration of homeless veterans. Los Angeles Times.