Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: July 30
Shortage of primary care physicians could hinder Massachusetts health insurance law; wellness program for West Virginia Medicaid beneficiaries finds few enrollees
Democratic Candidates Tout Universal Coverage for Kids
Several Democratic presidential candidates recently voiced their support for universal health care insurance for children. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates for the first time in more than a decade have received more campaign contributions from health care professionals than Republican candidates. Long Island Newsday et al.
California Budget Delay Threatens Payments To Medi-Cal Providers
California has depleted a $2 billion reserve fund created to pay Medi-Cal providers during budget stalemates, putting some payments in jeopardy. The fund is intended to cover two months of costs, but inflation and higher payment rates are cutting into that estimate. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Blue Shield Lawsuit Takes Aim at Reimbursement Rates
Blue Shield of California is suing Alvarado Hospital in San Diego for breaking a contract that guaranteed a 10% increase in reimbursement rates over the next two years. The hospital’s owners seek nearly a 40% raise, arguing the contract expired when the facility was sold in January. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Congress Ready To Tackle Kids’ Health Insurance Legislation
Both the Senate and House bills to reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program are expected to pass with significant majorities, but Republicans believe they will have enough votes to uphold a threatened presidential veto. Los Angeles Times et al.
U.S. Physician Pay at Issue in Health Care Reform Debate
U.S. physicians' salaries are two to three times higher than those of physicians in other industrialized countries, raising questions about whether methods for determining doctors' pay — as well as the payments themselves — are appropriate. New York Times.
Economist Calls on Employers To Shift to Individual Policies
Paul Zane Pilzer is recommending that employers help employees obtain individual health insurance policies rather than provide group health insurance. Critics of his proposal note that many employees who have pre-existing medical conditions cannot purchase individual health insurance. Wall Street Journal.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers Increase in Popularity
Proponents say ambulatory surgical centers offer more personalized care and lower costs, but some experts have expressed concerns about the lack of adequate postoperative and emergency services as more elderly patients and patients with multiple chronic conditions undergo procedures at the facilities. USA Today.
Federal Citation Against King-Harbor Hospital Resolved
A psychiatric patient injured herself while federal investigators were auditing King-Harbor Hospital in Watts to determine if it will remain eligible for Medicare funding. A corrective plan was accepted, and the incident has been reported to the state. Los Angeles Times.
Community Clinics Can Play Role in Health Care Reform
The president of the California Primary Care Association writes that a health care reform proposal for California should take advantage of and maximize the potential of community clinics in providing low-cost care for high-risk populations. Santa Cruz Sentinel.