Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Targets Employers Who Dodge Workers’ Comp Law
The Assembly is considering a bill that would help fraud investigators catch businesses that are not providing workers’ compensation insurance. If successful, the measure could save the state millions of dollars annually on medical bills for uninsured workers. Passage is expected. Contra Costa Times.
Clinton Taking Measured Approach to Health Reform
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, unlike some other Democratic presidential candidates, has not yet offered a detailed health care reform plan and has provided only “non-controversial” proposals to cut costs. Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani outlined a proposal with a provision to provide residents with more health care choices. McClatchy/Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Ventura County Groups Grade Health Care Reform Measures
A coalition of local groups rated single-payer legislation by Sen. Sheila Kuehl as the best plan for health care reform in California, while PBGH President Peter Lee this week also offered recommendations for improving California’s health care system. Ventura County Star et al.
Supervisors Mull Closure of Los Angeles County Hospital
Several Los Angeles County supervisors acknowledged that plans to close King-Harbor Hospital have been discussed in closed meetings in previous weeks, although no mention of the discussions was included on the agenda. The hospital has less than one month to meet federal standards or lose its eligibility for Medicare funding. Los Angeles Times.
Group Campaigns for Reduced Medicare Advantage Payments
The advocacy group calls support for Medicare Advantage from President Bush and Republican lawmakers “a piecemeal effort to privatize Medicare.” A recent report found that payments to such plans are 12% higher than those for fee-for-service Medicare plans. The Hill.
Orange County Cuts Funds for Emergency Health Care
County supervisors are looking for additional sources of revenue to help compensate hospitals and doctors for providing emergency treatment for indigent patients. Supervisors have agreed to maintain less than one-third of the county funding initially slated for the program. Los Angeles Times.
Study: Low-Income Children Urgently Need Dental Care
The study by a Contra Costa County group traced the high rate of the county’s low-income children in need of immediate dental care to a shortage of dentists who treat Denti-Cal beneficiaries. The author attributed the shortage to low reimbursements and a cumbersome application process. Contra Costa Times.
California Taking Action on Retiree Health Care Costs
Officials in Connecticut and Texas are trying to sidestep a measure that recommends that state and local governments disclose the costs of retiree benefits. California has pushed ahead, seeking options for covering the $48 billion health benefits tab for state retirees, Daniel Weintraub writes. Sacramento Bee.
Price Transparency an Issue for California Doctor Group
HealthCare Partners in Southern California is one of the largest physician practices in the nation to post prices for its medical procedures on its Web site. A leader of the group will discuss the decision. KCET’s “Life & Times.”
Insurers Expand Wellness Offerings for Businesses
CalPERS is among the groups promoting wider use of wellness and preventive care services traditionally used in chronic disease management initiatives. Blue Cross of California, Kaiser Permanente and Western Health Advantage are expanding offerings in those areas. East Bay Business Times.