Latest California Healthline Stories
Senate OKs Bill To Reauthorize, Expand Kids’ Health Insurance
With a veto-proof majority, the Senate approved a measure to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. A White House spokesperson said the president’s veto threat would stand. The bill moves to conference committee. Wall Street Journal et al.
California Supreme Court Bars State From Banning Cigarette Advertisements
The California Supreme Court ruled that federal laws and tobacco companies’ First Amendment rights pre-empt state laws restricting tobacco, unless specific evidence is available showing that the ads directly target children. San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.
Senate Panel OKs Bill To Let FDA Regulate Tobacco
The legislation would allow FDA to regulate the sale, distribution and promotion of tobacco products. The bill also would establish national standards for the production of tobacco products. The full Senate is expected to consider the legislation after the August recess. CQ Today et al.
Health Plan Taps Reserve Funds During Budget Delay
Health Plan of San Joaquin was notified by state regulators that Medi-Cal payments for July and probably August would be delayed until a budget is approved. The health plan will use reserve funds to continue the regular reimbursement cycle. Stockton Record.
Report Pushes Broader Subsidies in California Health Reform Plans
Researchers say that neither Gov. Schwarzenegger nor Democratic lawmakers went far enough in their proposals to help Californians pay for health insurance, arguing that the state should cover the cost of coverage for families with incomes twice the poverty level. Ventura County Star, “KPBS “News.”
Report: Medicare Part D Beneficiaries Denied ‘Off-Label’ Use of Rx Drugs
CMS rules allow prescription drug plans to deny coverage of medications prescribed for “off-label” uses. Meanwhile, a separate report found that more than half of Medicare beneficiaries who pay for medications out of pocket did not enroll in the drug benefit in 2006. USA Today et al.
Some Medi-Cal Payments on Hold During Budget Gridlock in California
The Senate failed to approve a state budget yesterday, and as a result, California continues to delay payments to Medi-Cal providers. The budget failed despite Gov. Schwarzenegger meeting Republicans’ demands to cut spending by $700 million. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Health Net Reports Increase in Earnings, Enrollment
Increases in Health Net’s Medicare Advantage plans offset a drop in membership for the California-based insurer’s commercial health plans, while earnings jumped almost 20%. Hartford Courant, Los Angeles Business.