Latest California Healthline Stories
Concerns Raised About Costs of Retiree Health Benefits
Broadcast programs include discussions of a new state report projecting $118 billion in unfunded liabilities for retiree health care benefits for California and public agencies statewide. KPCC’s “Air Talk,” KQED’s “California Report.”
Many Vets Unaware They Qualify for Health Benefits
Despite efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs to distribute benefit information, many veterans are unaware that they are eligible for health care, tax breaks, and other state and federal benefits, local liaisons to former troops said. USA Today.
Governor Promotes Health Care Reform in Address to Lawmakers
In his State of the State address, Gov. Schwarzenegger urged lawmakers to approve compromise health care reform legislation despite looming budget cuts, saying, “Sometimes you have to be daring, because the need is so great.” The governor says his reform plan will not increase the state budget deficit, but some lawmakers are skeptical. Los Angeles Times et al.
Medicare Rx Benefit Cut Out-of-Pocket Costs for Beneficiaries in 2006
New research shows that in the Medicare drug benefit’s first year, it reduced out-of-pocket costs by about $9 per month for beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare drug coverage. However, an editorial criticizes the study for not looking at corresponding health outcomes. Chicago Tribune.
WellPoint Launches Doctor-Rating Tool in Los Angeles, Other Areas
Los Angeles-area members of a consumer-driven health plan offered by WellPoint — Blue Cross of California’s parent company — now have access to an online tool to rate their experiences with health care providers. WellPoint plans to expand use of the tool nationwide. Indianapolis Star et al.
Senators Fault Conclusions on Lack of Health Insurance
Sens. Ron Wyden and Bob Bennett argue that Betsy McCaughey, a former lieutenant governor of New York and an adjunct senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, misrepresented provisions of legislation they are sponsoring to expand health insurance coverage. Wall Street Journal.
Hospitals Hire Nurses To Comply With New State Mandated Staffing Ratios
The final phase of the state’s nurse-to-patient ratio rule, which limits the number of patients that a registered nurse can care for, has forced a number of hospitals to hire more nurses. Most of the nurses were hired for telemetry, transitional and specialty care units. Fresno Bee, Ventura County Star.
Employer Funding of S.F. Health Program Stirs Debate
An editorial urges Congress to exempt states from a federal law governing employee health benefits and let them experiment with health reform initiatives. A health policy analyst argues that San Francisco’s health access program burdens low-income workers and business owners. San Diego Union-Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle.
CMS Expands Competitive Bidding System to 70 Cities
Medicare’s competitive bidding system for medical equipment will include Los Angeles, New York and Chicago under the latest program expansion. Critics of the system say it will force small medical device suppliers to close. CQ HealthBeat, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
New Report on Cardiac Bypasses in California Raises Questions
The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development released its latest report on outcomes of cardiac bypass procedures. Agency officials say the state should collect data on less-invasive cardiac procedures that are becoming more popular. Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune.