Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Reform News Around the Nation: Nov. 5, 2007
Democratic presidential candidate and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson proposes phasing in a state requirement that residents obtain health insurance or prove that they can afford to pay out of pocket. In Maryland, lawmakers look to Medicaid cuts to address a budget shortfall.
Politicians ‘Mislead’ Public With Inaccurate Health Data
Harvard University economics professor N. Gregory Mankiw writes in an opinion piece that misstatements about life expectancy, the uninsured and health care costs “frighten” and “fool” the public about the need for health care reform. New York Times.
Groups Want Health Reform Plan To Tackle Minority Health Gaps
Health experts joined members of the African-American, Latino and Asian caucuses in asking Gov. Schwarzenegger to provide resources to reduce health disparities among minorities in California. The governor drew criticism for not having more targeted discussions on health disparities while developing his health care reform plan. Sacramento Bee.
Núñez Ties To Charity Raise Questions About Donations
Blue Cross of California, the California Hospital Association and other groups with stakes in legislation donated large sums of money to a charity that Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez used as a channel for funding political events. Núñez and the donors deny any wrongdoing, but experts say it violates federal tax laws. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.
Vermont Receives Highest Scores in New Healthy States Report
Vermont received high marks for its low rates of obesity, preventable hospitalizations and children who live in poverty. Mississippi ranked as the least healthy state, despite a high level of health care spending per capita. California ranked 25th in the report. USA Today.
California Lawmakers Seek Update on Medicare Audit Investigation
Reps. Lois Capps and Devin Nunes gave CMS a deadline of next Wednesday to disclose whether a controversial Medicare claims auditor, PRG-Schultz International, has been cleared to resume work in California following its temporary suspension last month. San Luis Obispo Tribune.
Nursing Home Advocates Critical of Governor’s Veto
Gov. Schwarzenegger maintained that legislation seeking a timeline on completing investigations of nursing home claims is unnecessary because of the significant progress made by state regulators. Nursing home advocates supported the bill. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Medicare Chief Pledges More Stringent Oversight of Private Plans
Acting CMS Administrator Kerry Weems said the agency will step up efforts to identify Medicare Advantage plans that use improper marketing techniques, but lawmakers and consumer advocates said it is too early to know if the efforts will make a difference during the upcoming open enrollment period. The Hill.