Latest California Healthline Stories
Blue Cross of California Hit by Criticism at State Hearing
State regulators sought an explanation of a controversial dividend payment sent to its parent company earlier this year, a move that some advocacy groups maintain violated an agreement with the state. Supporters offered some praise for Blue Cross, but critics countered with complaints about premium increases, canceled policies and reduced reimbursement rates. Los Angeles Times et al.
Los Angeles County Diabetes Rate Continues To Escalate
In 2005, 8.8% of Los Angeles County residents reported having diabetes. Researchers think the actual rate is even higher because many residents do not realize they have diabetes. Los Angeles Daily News.
Budget Delay Could Strain Health Care Reform Efforts
An editorial notes that if the state budget remains overdue when lawmakers return from recess Aug. 20, it would only leave a three-week window of opportunity for the Legislature to pass a budget and reach a compromise on a bill to overhaul California’s health care system. San Francisco Chronicle.
Kaiser Reports Sharp Rise in First-Half Net Earnings
Kaiser attributes the significant increase in earnings this year to a reduction in reserves for professional liability and workers’ compensation costs, as well as contract renewals. A Kaiser executive called the profit jump an “anomaly.” Contra Costa Times, Business Insurance.
Community Health Centers Could Cut Costs, Report Finds
Legislation pending in Congress could boost access to health care for 30 million U.S. residents and reduce costs by investing in community health centers. A new report finds that the 1,100 community health centers in the country save the health care system between $9.9 billion and $17.6 billion. Salt Lake City Deseret Morning News.
Budget Deadlock Delays Second Big Medi-Cal Provider Payment
One week after the state skipped a $227 million payment to Medi-Cal providers, the Department of Finance won’t be able to process more than $210 million in Medi-Cal payments to health care providers on Thursday. Democrats have declined to drop procedural rules to consider Republicans’ proposal for emergency funding, raising the stakes for lawmakers to reach a budget deal. Sacramento Bee.
Scorecard on the Way for Preferred Provider Health Plans in California
Beginning in 2009, the state will issue an annual report card that rates California’s largest PPO plans on preventive care, patient satisfaction and other criteria. State officials say it is the first PPO report card in the U.S. Sacramento Bee et al.
Doctor-Owned Facilities Spur Competition With Hospitals
Hospitals are concerned that physician-owned specialty hospitals, outpatient surgery centers and clinics being built near full-service hospitals are taking away patients. San Jose Business Journal.
Community Pharmacies Raise Concerns About Medicaid Rule
Community pharmacies say they will account for 90% of reductions in Medicaid reimbursements and that the new Medicaid reimbursement rule will require more of them to close their businesses. Miami Herald.
Publix Supermarkets To Offer No-Cost Generic Prescription Antibiotics
The supermarket chain will provide 14-day supplies of seven common, generic antibiotics at no cost to customers with a valid prescription, regardless of their health insurance status. Publix did not disclose the program’s cost. AP/South Florida Sun-Sentinel, St. Petersburg Times.