Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: June 18
Pennsylvania Republicans challenge governor’s proposal; Texas governor signs Medicaid reform bill
Companies Seek Insurance Cuts for Wellness Programs
Health insurers generally have remained skeptical of wellness programs created by businesses, making it difficult for companies to prove that the programs are saving money. Studies have shown, however, that such programs save reduced medical claims and absenteeism. San Francisco Chronicle.
Seven Insurers Suspend Marketing of Medicare Managed Care Plans
The insurers will resume marketing efforts after they adopt six practices intended to address concerns from federal officials about aggressive or illegal sales techniques. The group accounts for about 90% of the market for Medicare Advantage plans. AP/Wall Street Journal et al.
Federal Report Lays Out Citations Against L.A. County Hospital
Recent incidents involving patient neglect at King-Harbor Hospital have brought the attention of state and federal officials, who are questioning whether closing the hospital is a better alternative than ongoing efforts to boost the quality of care at the facility. Los Angeles Times.
Medicaid Proof-of-Citizenship Rules Drawing Criticism
Rules that took effect last year require Medicaid applicants to prove that they are U.S. citizens to get benefits, but some advocates argue that the rules are an unnecessary burden. Legislation to repeal the rules is under consideration in Congress. Baltimore Sun.
Medicare Orders Changes at Modesto Kindred Hospital
Kindred Hospital in Modesto could lose its status as a Medicare provider if it does not resolve several violations that were found by CMS regulators in a May inspection. The hospital treats many Medicare beneficiaries. Modesto Bee.
San Diego County Weighs Retiree Health Care Options
The majority of county supervisors back a compromise proposal from the county retirement board that would preserve retiree health care benefits but shift the liability for recent retirees’ coverage from the county to the retirement board. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Garamendi Wants To Mandate Background Checks for All EMTs
Lt. Gov. John Garamendi hopes the mandatory background checks will patch up loopholes in EMT oversight across the state. A Sacramento Bee investigation uncovered cases in which applicants with criminal records were able to obtain EMT certification. Sacramento Bee.
Experts Urge More Federal Funding for TB Research
Tuberculosis experts this week recommended increasing federal funding for domestic TB programs from $137 million to $300 million annually. They also urged the U.S. to boost funding for global TB programs from $90 million to $450 million annually. New York Times.