Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill on Health Plans for Small Businesses Introduced
Senators on Wednesday announced a new bill that would let small businesses create nationwide pools to negotiate for lower health insurance premiums. The legislation also would provide a $1,000 per-employee tax credit for small firms that offer insurance. The tax credit would double if the company offers family coverage. CongressDaily.
First-Quarter Results Will Indicate State of Health Insurers’ Finances
Wall Street analysts disagree on whether the managed care sector is experiencing a temporary period of upheaval or if the industry is facing longer-term challenges. At least three large health insurers lowered their earnings expectations in recent months. Dow Jones.
Regulators Have Not Reinstated Coverage in Improper Cancellations
The Schwarzenegger administration has not exercised its power to require Blue Cross of California or other insurers to reissue improperly canceled health insurance policies. State regulators say they are focusing on systematic changes, rather than individual cases. Capitol Weekly.
Insiders Offer Perspective on ‘Balance Billing’ Proposal
The Department of Managed Health Care wants to prohibit doctors and hospitals from billing patients for the cost of services that exceed payments from their insurers. A Los Angeles Times reporter, a representative from the California Medical Association and a DMHC official discuss the proposal. KPCC’s “AirTalk.”
California Joins Suit Asking EPA for Public Health Data
California is among the 18 states that filed a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday, asking the court to order the agency to release internal findings that greenhouse gas emissions compromise public health. Releasing the internal analysis would set the stage for EPA to regulate such emissions. Sacramento Bee et al.
California Democrats Unveil Bills Aimed at Growth in Autism Cases
One of the bills would call for rules governing health plans’ coverage of autism-related disorders, and another would set up a pilot to boost early detection of autism. Senate leader Don Perata didn’t estimate the cost of adopting the measures. Sacramento Bee, Contra Costa Times.
Report: California Physicians Less Diverse Than Overall Population
New research found that minority physicians are more likely than whites to choose primary care and practice in underserved areas, prompting an academic to conclude that health care disparities will persist so long as minorities are underrepresented in the medical work force. More than 60% of California doctors are white, compared with 48% of the population. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
California Nurses Association Sets Sights on Texas Nurses
The California Nurses Association is working on a contract for the 275 registered nurses it recently organized at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital in Texas. CNA is also stepping up efforts to sign up other nurses working in Houston and around Texas. Houston Chronicle.
Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs on the Rise for People With Insurance
Recent surveys indicate that more insured people are paying a bigger share of their health care costs as copayments for generic medications and some specialty medications increase. Spending on prescription drugs accounts for about 10% of U.S. health care costs. USA Today.
Dubai Contracts With Health Net on Health Finance Model
The Dubai Health Authority has appointed Sacramento-based Health Net’s government operations division Health Net Federal Services to help in the development of Dubai’s new health care funding system. Business Intelligence Middle East, Sacramento Business Journal.