Latest California Healthline Stories
Leavitt: Administration Opposes Payment Cuts to Medicare Advantage
Cutting payments to Medicare managed care plans would compromise benefits for some U.S. residents, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said, adding that he and President Bush strongly oppose proposals to shift funds away from the program. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
State Faults Blue Cross Cancellation Policies; Fine Planned
California regulators found that Blue Cross of California consistently canceled individual policies for people with chronic illnesses and women who became pregnant. State officials plan similar investigations of other health insurers. Los Angeles Times.
Stem Cell Research Grant Challenged; Hearing Denied
Consumer advocates questioned a grant from California’s stem cell agency because of ethical and financial concerns about the organization. The action follows a denial for a second hearing in appeals court challenging the agency. San Francisco Chronicle, San Diego Union-Tribune.
Schwarzenegger Predicts Spring Action on Health Reform
Speaking at a conference in Sacramento, Gov. Schwarzenegger said he expects the Legislature to work on revamping the state health care system next month and urged voters to question presidential candidates about domestic issues, including health care. Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle.
GOP Needs To Highlight Health Care Reform as Issue
Republicans need to follow President Bush, Gov. Schwarzenegger and some other lawmakers’ lead as they come up with health care reform ideas to compete with calls for single-payer health plans from some Democrats. Wall Street Journal.
Senate Rejects Measures on Medicare, Kids’ Insurance
Amendments that would have cut Medicare payments to physicians and created a reserve fund for the State Children’s Health Insurance program went down to defeat before the full Senate. AP/Houston Chronicle, CongressDaily.
CMS Rolls Out New Organ Transplant Rules
Transplant programs will be required to perform at least 10 procedures annually and achieve expected survival rates to maintain eligibility for federal funding. Los Angeles Times.