Latest California Healthline Stories
Backers of Paid Sick Leave Bill Rally in San Francisco
Supporters of a bill that would require all California employers to offer paid sick leave gathered to promote the measure in San Francisco, where a citywide sick leave law is already in place. The bill would allow workers at large businesses to earn up to nine paid sick days annually, while smaller companies would offer up to five days. KQED’s “The California Report.”
Health Insurers Offer Cross-Border Plans To Reach Uninsured Latinos
Sekure Healthcare has been offering a limited-benefits insurance plan through employers, as well as a discount health card program aimed mainly at low-income Mexican workers in California. At least four other insurers offer more traditional cross-border plans. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Health Care News From the Campaign Trail for the Week of Feb. 29
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton says Sen. Barack Obama misrepresented her health care proposal, only to get hit with similar allegations later in the week. Meanwhile, an adviser to Sen. John McCain says McCain is considering a plan to help sick people buy insurance.
House Could Include Health Bill in Spending Package
House Ways and Means Chair Charles Rangel said he wants a spending reconciliation package to include a bill that would add $50 billion to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, halt a physicians’ pay cut for two years and boost Medicare and Medicaid benefits. The bill was passed by the House, but rejected in the Senate. CongressDaily.
CMS Says Audits Found Millions in Overpayments
On Thursday, CMS announced that an audit program being piloted in California, Florida and New York found $371.5 million in improper Medicare payments. Overpayments in California totaled $120.1 million, while state Medicare providers received $8.4 million in refunds. HHS release.
Report Finds Higher Costs Under Private Medicare Plans
Private Medicare Advantage plans tout extra benefits’ low costs, but a new Government Accountability Office report found that those plans often cost beneficiaries more than the traditional Medicare for home health care, nursing homes and certain hospital stays. New York Times.
State Audit Critical of Spending by Outgoing Prison Health Receiver
The Office of the Inspector General’s report raised questions about salaries, payments for health care benefits and other costs approved by Robert Sillen, the outgoing court appointee charged with bringing prison health care up to an acceptable level. Los Angeles Times et al.