Latest California Healthline Stories
GOP Senators Blast Adult Access to Kids’ Insurance
Republican Senators in a letter urged President Bush to refocus the State Children's Health Insurance Program on low-income children and stop granting states waivers to provide coverage to adults under SCHIP. CongressDaily et al.
Report: E-Prescribing Could Produce Medicare Savings
The report concludes that lawmakers should require physicians participating in Medicare to use electronic prescribing technology and that CMS should offer bonuses to physicians to help them purchase and maintain the needed equipment. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Democrats’ Health Care Reform Plan Advances in California
The Democrats’ reform proposal received approval from the Senate Health Committee and now faces a hearing before the appropriations committee before moving on to a full Senate vote. Meanwhile, two new studies offer conflicting conclusions about the impact of the Democrats’ proposal on the California job market. Sacramento Bee et al.
Prison Health Care Official Predicts Setback in Reforms
Robert Sillen said his five-year plan to bring the prison health care system up to constitutional standards was hit with a setback of seven to 10 years when state legislation recently was signed into law that seeks to reduce inmate overcrowding by building more beds and expanding services. Sacramento Bee et al.
Democrats Seek Data on Ex-Surgeon General’s Tenure
Two Democratic lawmakers have requested information on Richard Carmona’s four-year tenure after the former surgeon general testified that the Bush administration often edited his speeches and prohibited him from speaking out on certain health care issues. Reuters et al.
CORRECTION: Proposed Insurance Rate Regulation
The Los Angeles Times on Wednesday incorrectly reported that AB 8, by Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles) and Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata (D-Oakland), would require health insurers to justify rate increases. A separate measure — AB 1554 by Assembly member Dave Jones (D-Sacramento) — sought to create that requirement.
Medicare Agency Says Pay for Performance Could Yield Savings
CMS estimates that physician groups’ participation in a pay-for-performance experiment saved about $21 million. However, only two of the 10 physician groups participating received bonuses, suggesting potential hurdles to convincing physicians to participate in such programs. New York Times.
Attorney General Blocks Sale of Anaheim Medical Center
California officials concluded that the sale might not be in the best interest of the community and raised questions about the fairness of the bidding process. Prime Healthcare said it would continue to pursue the purchase of the facility. Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register.
San Joaquin County Weighs Health Reform Proposals
County health officials drafted a set of suggestions and concerns for lawmakers in Sacramento to consider when debating a health care reform proposal for California, such as ensuring affordable coverage. Stockton Record.
Study: Uninsured Wait for Medicare To Treat Chronic Illnesses
Expenses were 51% greater for previously uninsured Medicare beneficiaries with diagnosed chronic conditions, leading researchers to conclude that universal health coverage might decrease costs by hastening treatment for such illnesses. Reuters et al.