Latest California Healthline Stories
Senator To Propose Bill To Create Registry of Drug Firm Payments
Legislation expected to be introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley would create a federal registry of payments made by drug makers to any physician for services, such as consulting, lectures and seminar attendance. Several states have created similar registries. New York Times.
Health Care Arises as Issue for Romney, Tommy Thompson
A waitress at a New Hampshire diner last week questioned presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s health care proposal. Meanwhile, presidential candidate and former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson in Iowa told reporters that health care is not getting as much attention as it should in the election. Washington Post et al.
California To Launch Ratings for Preferred Provider Plans
The reporting program will use patient satisfaction surveys and best-practices guidelines to assess the performance of doctors in six of the state’s largest PPO networks. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said the program is the first in a series of measures he plans to take to increase oversight of the health insurance industry. Los Angeles Times.
Presidential Candidates Tackle Health Care Issues During Debates
Republican presidential candidates at a debate in Iowa weighed in on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and access to insurance. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates discussed health care during a debate at the Yearly Kos convention in Chicago. Los Angeles Times et al.
Health Care Reform Debate Must Include Public Input
An editorial argues that average California residents should be included in the debate in Sacramento over a plan to overhaul California’s health care system, adding that an upcoming event could highlight residents’ views on the issues to policymakers. San Francisco Chronicle.
Grassley Calls for Preconference on Kids’ Health Insurance Bill
Sen. Chuck Grassley wants to gather House and Senate lawmakers before a conference committee takes place to address Republicans’ concerns about the “size and scope” of legislation to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, according to an aide. CongressDaily et al.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: August 6
Maine health insurers contest latest Dirigo Health savings figures; North Carolina to shift Medicaid costs from counties to state
Hospital News Roundup for August 3
Children’s Hospital Central California ends Blue Cross Medi-Cal contract; Rady Children’s Hospital launches research partnership with a Tennessee children’s hospital
Giuliani Pushes Competition To Reform U.S. Health Care
Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani writes that the “future of America’s health care system lies in free-market solutions, not socialist models.” Giuliani criticized Democratic presidential candidates for supporting a “government-mandated” health care model. Boston Globe, PBS’ “The Charlie Rose Show.”
California House Members Fault Medicare Auditing Firm
California House members told CMS officials that PRG-Schultz International is profiting by improperly rejecting California rehabilitation hospitals’ Medicare claims. Company officials say CMS found no wrongdoing when the agency reviewed its auditing practices. Sacramento Bee.