Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Aims To Curb Expansion of Medicare Audit Program
CMS has piloted a Medicare audit program in California and two other states, where health care providers have argued that large numbers of claims have been improperly denied. California representatives are pushing for more federal oversight of the program. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Coalition Will Study Link Between Health, Poverty
On Thursday, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched a coalition, called the Commission to Build a Healthier America, that aims to determine how nonmedical factors — such as income, housing, education and stress — affect the health of less-wealthy U.S. residents. Washington Times et al.
CMS Criticizes GAO Report on Medicare Advantage Plans
CMS officials criticized a new Government Accountability Office report that found that some Medicare Advantage enrollees face higher costs than those enrolled in traditional Medicare and said they have begun collecting data on the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans. CongressDaily.
Report Faults States on Funding for Retiree Health Care, Pensions
The Government Accountability Office found that many states put aside less money for retiree health care costs each year than they do for pensions, a situation that can lead to significant financial challenges if health care costs continue to rise. New York Times.
Lake County Approves New Needle Exchange Program
Lake County supervisors voted unanimously to initiate a needle exchange program to help fight the spread of HIV, hepatitis C and other bloodborne infections. At least 17 other counties operate similar programs statewide. Santa Rosa Press-Democrat.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of February 29, 2008
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors agreed to negotiate with Community Medical Centers to extend its lease of the University Medical Center site where CMC offers outpatient clinic services. Meanwhile, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center passed a recent federal inspection.
Private Donations for Stem Cell Grants Exceed Expectations
California’s stem cell institute required applicants for grants to help build new labs to use private donations to raise at least 20% of the money requested from the state. Some applicants raised more than 130% of their requested state grant from donors. San Diego Union-Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle.