Latest California Healthline Stories
Santa Clara County Has Role in Kids’ Insurance Debate
Expanding and reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program should hold special interest for Santa Clara County, given its experience with its Healthy Kids program, according to an editorial. San Jose Mercury News.
Questions About Proposed Fees Linger for Doctors, Hospitals
The California Hospital Association is opposing a plan by Gov. Schwarzenegger to require contributions from hospitals to help cover the cost of his health care overhaul, but the California Medical Association hasn’t taken a position on a provision seeking contributions from physicians. The fees are intended to help raise Medi-Cal provider rates. Sacramento Business Journal, Oakland Tribune.
Doctors Protest Blue Cross of California’s Planned Payment Cuts
A spokesperson for the insurer says that the reimbursement changes are intended as a move toward sustainable physician compensation, but doctors say rates for some services will drop below their costs for providing care. The issue is expected to come up at a state hearing next month. Los Angeles Times.
Web Sites Provide Data on Physicians, Hospitals
Consumers can find malpractice and disciplinary information on state medical board Web sites and can view physician and hospital quality rankings on Web sites sponsored by health insurers, the federal government and private companies. Los Angeles Times.
House Democrats To Unveil Bill To Expand Kids’ Health Insurance
The bill would increase tobacco taxes and cut payments to Medicare Advantage plans to cover the cost of expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. A Senate panel last week approved a bill to reauthorize and expand the program. New York Times et al.
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: July 23
Massachusetts lawmakers likely to consider revisions to universal coverage law; North Carolina House approves mental health parity legislation
Groups To Address Cultural Barriers to Alzheimer’s Care
Some recent studies have found that minorities are more likely than whites to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s. The groups have launched a campaign to ensure that minorities have access to new treatments for dementia. Boston Globe.