Latest California Healthline Stories
Restaurants Gain Support for Lawsuit Against San Francisco Health Plan
At least nine groups, including the California Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Labor, have submitted court briefs in support of San Francisco restaurants, urging judges to halt mandatory business payments to the city’s new health plan. San Francisco Business Times.
Private Long Beach Hospital Front Runner in King-Harbor Contract
Despite its small size and lack of experience with large public hospitals, Pacific Hospital in Long Beach is the leading candidate to reopen Martin Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital, Los Angeles County officials say. Negotiations could be complete within 60 days. Los Angeles Times.
Senate Weighs Regulation of Health Care Cancellations
Senators held a hearing on Thursday to examine whether new laws are needed to prevent health insurers from canceling policies without proving that policyholders lied on their applications. The insurance industry contends that screening applications more aggressively would raise costs and slow access to insurance. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Medicare’s Financial Problems Demand Immediate Attention
“The financial challenges facing” Medicare “reflect problems in the nation’s health care market,” according to an editorial. It concludes, “A fix cannot be postponed much longer if Americans want Medicare to continue for future generations.” Sacramento Bee.
California Firm Overcharged VA $6M, Audit Finds
An audit released Thursday found that QTC Management, a California firm led by former Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi, overcharged VA about $6 million under a long-term contract to conduct physical evaluations of veterans who apply for disability benefits. QTC has agreed to repay about $3 million. Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of March 31
Massachusetts officials study options to fund landmark health insurance program in the face of a $1.3 billion state budget deficit, while lawmakers in Maryland and Kansas moved forward with efforts to expand health insurance coverage and boost enrollment in current programs.
Insurers Begin To Reimburse for Online Physician Visits
Insurers, such as Aetna and Cigna, are beginning to reimburse physicians for online consultations. Health plans say the service could help boost efficiency and prevent more expensive health care problems. Philadelphia Inquirer.
California Not Alone in Budget Cuts for Health Care Programs
At least 22 states nationwide are facing budget deficits, with California’s being one of the most serious. A recent survey projects that more than 10 million people could lose access to some medical services, prompting budget experts to conclude that the state budget cuts mirror those pushed through in 2001, when states also faced steep drops in revenue. Washington Post.
Rules for San Diego County’s Indigent Care Program Must Be Redone
A Superior Court judge rejected the county health program’s requirement that low-income residents must make copayments for their prescription drugs, hospital stays and physician care. The judge also said patients can reapply for coverage through the program. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Federal Government Adds Patient Opinions to Web Site
On Friday, the federal government posted the results of a survey of patient experiences and perceptions of hospital care on its Hospital Compare Web site. According to the survey, patients treated at Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Southern California were less satisfied than many patients at other hospitals in the region and nationwide. New York Times, Los Angeles Times.