Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser Set To Overhaul Peer Review, Complaint Oversight
Kaiser Permanente will spend $10 million to $13 million to comply with changes California regulators ordered to Kaiser's processes for peer review and resolving patient complaints. The state has ordered changes to be made by Oct. 1, with surprise site visits set to begin in November. Sacramento Bee et al.
House Kids’ Insurance Bill Faces Budget Questions, Veto Threat
The Congressional Budget Office announced that a House bill to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program will have to be reworked to avoid deficit spending, while President Bush issued a formal veto threat for the measure. CongressDaily et al.
Firms’ Electronic Health Records Effort Stalls
A dispute with the firm hired to build the electronic record system could mean that employees at the firms — including Wal-Mart, Intel and other large firms — won't have access to EHRs before selecting a health plan this fall. Wall Street Journal.
California Senate Republicans Propose Health Cuts in Budget
Funds for Medi-Cal managed care and salaries for county Medi-Cal administrators would be reduced under a spending plan that Senate Republicans put forward on Wednesday. California’s budget is now 26 days past due. Sacramento Bee, KQED "Capitol Notes."
Public Agencies Join CalPERS Fund for Retiree Health Care Costs
Ten cities and public agencies so far have committed to a new CalPERS fund launched this year to help meet the costs of future retiree health care benefits. The fund is limited to CalPERS members, but legislation that would expand eligibility is under consideration. Sacramento Bee.
Study: Friends, Family Members Influence Weight
A new study finds that when a person becomes obese, the likelihood that their friends and family members will become obese increases significantly. The study also found that friends and family members can influence weight loss. AP/Long Island Newsday et al.
County Supervisors Move To Expand Health Care Access
San Mateo County supervisors approved preliminary plans for a program to expand health care access to uninsured county residents, while San Diego County supervisors voted to expand eligibility for a benefit that provides indigent care for serious illnesses. Oakland Tribune et al.
CMS Administrator Nominee Vows To Boost Oversight
Kerry Weems said that if he is confirmed as CMS Administrator, he would boost CMS oversight and take action on any abuses or inefficiencies that are identified. He added that he would not let the agency be used for political purposes. The Hill, CQ HealthBeat.
California Fines Kaiser $3M for Poor Handling of Patient Complaints
California regulators found that Kaiser Permanente didn’t have processes in place to ensure that complaints were handled consistently or that problems were being addressed. The state could drop $1 million of the fine if the HMO makes changes. Los Angeles Times.
Commission Urges Overhaul of Military, Veterans’ Health Care
A presidential commission called for fundamental changes to the military and veterans’ health care systems. Implementing the recommendations would cost $500 million initially and $1 billion annually after that, the panel estimates. The group was formed in response to conditions at an army medical center and obstacles in the disability compensation process. Washington Post et al.