Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care Reform Around the Nation: May 29
Colorado selects finalists for coverage expansion; Missouri lawmakers reach last-minute compromise on Medicaid overhaul
Governor’s Proposed Coverage Mandate Faces Skepticism
Gov. Schwarzenegger maintains that his health care reform proposal would lower insurance rates because more individuals would have coverage, but some groups are questioning what effect expanding coverage will have on the cost of health insurance. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Bush Signs War Spending Bill With Health Care Funds
The $120 billion fiscal year 2007 supplemental appropriations bill includes $650 million for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and $1.9 billion for military health care. AP/New York Post et al.
Health Care System Draining U.S. Finances
Atul Gawande, a surgeon and contributor to the New Yorker writes that the recent sale of Chrysler and news about increases in the uninsured raise questions about the state of the U.S. health care system and reform options. New York Times.
Medicare To Drop Coverage of Artificial Spinal Discs
Medicare will deny coverage for beneficiaries older than age 60 because clinical trials of the devices did not include that age group, making it unclear whether the devices are a reasonable or necessary therapy. New York Times.
Southern California Physician Group Posts Prices Online
Some health care experts are waiting to see if the move by California’s largest private physician practice spurs other groups to release pricing data, especially given the intense competition of the Southern California health care market. HealthCare Partners leaders said the move is intended to head off competition from retail clinics. Los Angeles Times et al.
House Committee Investigates Policies of Long-Term Insurers
The investigation was prompted by a March New York Times article that reviewed more than 400 complaints and lawsuits and found that some long-term care insurers have developed practices to limit the ability of policyholders to receive claims payments. San Francisco Chronicle.
California Medical Board Leader Touts Use of Telemedicine
As president of the California Medical Board, Richard Fantozzi says he will work to elevate the role of telemedicine in California, a move that is under way as UC-San Francisco and other medical centers launch projects. San Diego Union-Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle.
State Officials Probe Payment From Blue Cross to WellPoint
California officials are considering whether the state can issue fines and penalties in the case, or order Blue Cross to repay any dividends that violate an agreement with the state. A spokesperson for Blue Cross’ parent company says the payment is appropriate. Los Angeles Times.
Advocates Use Documentary To Push Health Care Reform
The California Nurses Association is among the groups tapping into the media attention surrounding a new Michael Moore documentary about the U.S. health care system to argue for overhauling the way Americans get health care. San Francisco Chronicle et al.