Latest California Healthline Stories
Sacramento-Area Retail Clinics Face Hurdles to Growth in Early Years
Clinics in pharmacies and chain stores have seen less patient traffic than they initially expected, but the companies backing the clinics continue to work on expansion plans. Some early entrants in the market have run out of money and shut down. Sacramento Business Journal.
Private Insurers Pressured To Increase Prosthesis Coverage
Prosthetic-device makers and amputees are pushing lawmakers to require private health insurers to provide prosthesis coverage comparable to that offered by Medicare, which covers at least 80% of the cost and allows for regular replacement of artificial limbs. Health insurers argue that such mandates would reduce consumer choice and increase costs. Wall Street Journal.
WellPoint Share Price Drops After Forecast Lowered
In after-hours trading on Monday, shares of WellPoint, parent company of Blue Cross of California, dropped more than 16% after the insurer lowered its profit forecast due to higher medical costs and lower-than-expected insurance enrollments. Shares of Humana, Aetna and UnitedHealth Group also dropped after the WellPoint news. New York Times.
California Senate OKs Changes to Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The measure would bar physicians from considering whether age, race or genetic factors contributed to a workplace injury in determining workers’ compensation awards. Opponents of the bill warn that it would inflate workers’ comp costs for employers. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
California Lawmakers Must Overhaul Stem Cell Institute
The need to reform the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has become clear as recent incidents highlighted the potential for board members to influence public grants that could benefit their facilities, according to an editorial. Sacramento Bee.
Senator Urges More Oversight of Provider Treatment Programs
The Medical Board of California’s plans to abolish its diversion program for physicians with substance abuse problems have drawn attention to similar programs for other health care providers in California. Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas has raised concerns about discrepancies among the programs that permit some care providers to continue practicing while in treatment. Los Angeles Times.
Alternative Budget Proposal Avoids Medi-Cal Cuts
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times‘ editorial board, California Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill discusses her alternative budget proposal, which does not include the 10% cut in payments to Medi-Cal providers proposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Los Angeles Times.
California Regulators’ Action on Cancellations Draws National Attention
Health insurers across the U.S. are re-evaluating their procedures for canceling individual health insurance policies after a string of fines and penalties against insurers in California. Industry groups are working on standard procedures to resolve complaints. Dow Jones.
Health Reform Around the Nation for the Week of March 10, 2008
Lawmakers in Florida, Maine and Maryland look to cuts in health care programs to offset state budget woes. Meanwhile, the New Mexico Legislature plans a special session to tackle health reform, and Iowa considers mandatory coverage for all kids.
Lawsuit Claims Planned Parenthood Overbilled California, U.S.
A whistleblower lawsuit contends that Planned Parenthood affiliates in California overcharged the state and federal government for oral contraceptives, but state officials say they do not think the organization acted improperly because state rules were unclear. Los Angeles Times.