Latest California Healthline Stories
Each Friday, California Healthline provides highlights from the past week’s news and events, as well as a preview of the week ahead. Included are links to the week’s top stories, updates on developments in the California Legislature and a digest of recent health policy studies in prominent research journals.
Lawsuit Payout Boosts Access to Generic Drugs
A not-for-profit group will use settlement funds to administer a program at 150 clinics statewide, providing credit limits to purchase medications based on the number of uninsured or indigent patients treated at the facilities. San Francisco Business Times.
Hospitals, Physicians Line Up Against California Blue Cross
The California Hospital Association and the California Medical Association joined a challenge to Blue Cross of California’s cancellation of individual health coverage. The insurer maintains that its actions are proper and that it is up to dropped policyholders to pay their medical bills. Los Angeles Times.
Some Employers Could See Discounts Under Humana Cost Pledge
Humana will cut the fees it charges to manage companies’ health plans if workers’ health care costs jump by more than targeted rates. Discounts could be as much as 40% of administrative fees for firms that make a three-year commitment to the health plan. Louisville Courier-Journal, Detroit Free Press.
Federal Funds for County Health Programs Warranted
An editorial says federal funding awarded to 10 California counties last month will help guarantee long-term viability of health care programs for people who often don’t have access to medical services. Oakland Tribune.
Hospital News Roundup for April 20
Fresno hospitals complete merger; Bay Area facilities win “cancer center” designations