Latest California Healthline Stories
Growth of Physician-Owned Hospitals Draws Criticism
Full-service hospitals are concerned about the increase in specialty hospitals owned by physicians, arguing that such facilities can offer the most profitable procedures and threaten care for the uninsured. Los Angeles Times.
Senate Panel Delays Mark Up of Tobacco Regulation Bill
A Senate committee because of a lack of quorum and a number of proposed amendments delayed until Thursday consideration of legislation that would give FDA the power to regulate the sale, distribution and promotion of tobacco products. CongressDaily et al.
Criminal Probe Launched at State Workers’ Comp Insurer
A task force consisting of the California Highway Patrol, Department of Insurance and San Francisco District Attorney's Office is investigating the State Compensation Insurance Fund in response to an external audit that uncovered financial misconduct and prompted the forced retirement of two top officials. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.
House Panel Postpones Vote on Kids’ Health Insurance Legislation
Bipartisan concerns prompted the postponement until Thursday of a vote on a bill to reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program. The legislation would reduce payments to Medicare Advantage plans and increase the federal cigarette tax. CQ Today et al.
Debate on Health Care Reform Likely Will Focus on Cost Control Steps
Negotiations on a plan to overhaul California's health care system likely will center on determining how many residents should be required to obtain health care coverage and how much they should contribute. Talks are expected later this summer. Ventura County Star.
Proof-of-Citizenship Rules Lead to Drop in Medicaid Enrollment
Most of those dropped from the program were eligible but could not provide adequate documentation, according to a new report. Many states have seen their Medicaid rolls decrease since the rules took effect. CQ HealthBeat, AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Surgical Delays in L.A. County Draw Concerns About Uninsured
A shortage of specialty care services in Los Angeles County has left uninsured adults waiting upwards of one year for some nonemergency procedures at the five county hospitals, prompting county officials to mull new options for specialty care. Some clinic personnel say that the backlog has worsened since services at King-Harbor Hospital were scaled back last year. Los Angeles Times.
House Democrats Unveil Expansion Plan for Kids’ Health Insurance
The bill would reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program and increase funding for the program by $50 billion over five years, $15 billion more than is called for in a Senate proposal that President Bush has pledged to veto. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
California Above U.S. Average for Uninsured Kids, Report Finds
California has 15% of the nation's uninsured children, a factor contributing to its drop in the overall rankings of an annual report. Advocates say the findings are troublesome because the state long has been considered a leader in children’s issues. San Francisco Chronicle.
Insurers To Fight Proposed Medicare Advantage Pay Cut
The campaign will target a provision in the State Children's Health Insurance Program bill that would cut Medicare Advantage reimbursements. America's Health Insurance Plans supports SCHIP funding but does not think it should come at seniors' expense. Roll Call, Wall Street Journal.