Latest California Healthline Stories
Report Says Proposed Medicaid Changes Will Cost States $50B
The Office of Management and Budget predicted that changes suggested by President Bush would cut federal Medicaid payments to states by about $15 billion over five years, but a report by Democrats on a House committee places that number much higher — $50 billion over five years. A CMS spokesperson said the committee report is “not credible.” CongressDaily et al.
Report: Medicare Fraud Widespread Among L.A. County Device Suppliers
Of 123 cases of Medicare problems with medical device suppliers in California, more than 80 involved suppliers located in Los Angeles County. A new report by federal investigators offers suggestions for cutting back on Medicare fraud in Southern California. Los Angeles Times.
Broader Debate Needed on Insurance Cancellations
An editorial urges California regulators to consider medical underwriting and other factors that affect the individual health insurance market as they consider legislation and regulations to rework how insurers cancel policies. Los Angeles Times.
Traveling Aid Group Brings Free Care to Remote Areas
Remote Area Medical, a relief organization founded to bring treatment to developing countries, also treats thousands of uninsured and underinsured U.S. residents who cannot afford or access health care. At a recent free clinic in Tennessee, the group treated over 900 patients in one weekend. CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
Medi-Cal Chief Defends Proposed Changes to Program
Responding to a recent Mercury News editorial, Medi-Cal administrator Stan Rosenstein writes that requiring beneficiaries to verify their eligibility four times per year “is a reasonable way to reduce spending.” Criticism of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal is unfair after his work to pass health care reform last year, according to Rosenstein. San Jose Mercury News.
California Officials Outline Emergency Response Strategy
New state guidelines detail the practical and ethical aspects of dealing with a bioterror attack, influenza pandemic or other major disaster to maximize survival rates. The report anticipates relying on all able-bodied health care workers — including those with expired licenses — and dispensing with some state rules to hasten care delivery. Sacramento Bee.
San Francisco Public Health Department Mulls $33 Million in Cuts
The city’s Health Commission will hold a hearing on Tuesday to discuss immediate cuts to deal with San Francisco’s expected $6 billion budget deficit. The Department of Public Health accounts for about one-fifth of San Francisco’s budget. San Francisco Chronicle.
Health Care Reform News Around the Nation for the Week of March 3
Louisiana received federal permission to increase the income limit for its version of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program to 250% of the federal poverty level. Meanwhile, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman said he will abandon efforts to increase SCHIP enrollment limits.
Kaiser Permanente Grant Funds Five School Clinics
A $3 million grant from Kaiser Permanente will fund clinics at one middle school and four high schools in Oakland in hopes of making health care available to children who otherwise would go without care or seek treatment in emergency departments. East Bay Business Times, San Francisco Chronicle.
California Health Care Personnel Update for February 2008
Gov. Schwarzenegger announced appointments to the Public Health Advisory Committee, the Commission on Emergency Medical Services and other health care-related oversight boards. CMS and the American Cancer Society also announced leadership changes in their California offices.