Latest California Healthline Stories
Drug Maker Helps States Monitor Prescribing Trends
Two dozen states participate in a program offered by Eli Lilly to help prevent doctors from overprescribing a psychiatric drug that accounts for a large chunk of state Medicaid budgets. A New York-based firm administers the program. New York Times.
Schwarzenegger Orders Pay Jump at State Mental Hospitals
The move falls short of equalizing pay for psychiatric workers at state mental hospitals and prisons, where pay skyrocketed after a court order. At least one union leader is calling for the raise to be rejected. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.
Prison Health Functions Could Be Consolidated
The court-appointed receiver for prison health care is seeking to direct some large-scale projects that relate to lawsuits on dental, mental health and disability access in California prisons. Oakland Tribune et al.
Governor Talks Health Care Reform With Rush Limbaugh
Paying for Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposed health care overhaul and coverage for undocumented immigrants were two issues that came up when the governor called in to the conservative commentator’s syndicated radio talk show. Schwarzenegger told Limbaugh that changing the health care system would boost the state economy. Sacramento Bee, AP/Los Angeles Daily News.
Former CMA President Touts Physician Report Cards
The Integrated Healthcare Association is expanding its physician rating system to include efficiency measures, a change that Ronald Bangasser said will benefit California consumers. KPCC.
Lawmakers Stand Up Against Proposed Physician Pay Caps
A federal rule would bar Medicaid payments to health care providers from exceeding the actual cost of services, spurring letters signed by 100 members of the House and 60 senators. CongressDaily
Insurance Does Not Bar Against Medical Debts
A new study found that premiums, deductibles and copayments contributed to medical debts incurred by some people with health insurance, while others said their medical debts stemmed from insurers not covering some services. USA Today.
Payment Cuts on the Table for Medicare Managed Care
Estimates show that bringing payments to Medicare Advantage plans in line with other payments would save $65 billion over six years, but some lawmakers said cutting payments could hinder access to some health care services. Washington Times et al.
State Workers’ Comp Insurer Dismisses From Executive Team
The State Compensation Insurance Fund will conduct a nationwide personnel search after the insurer fired its president and another senior executive. The move comes six months after members of the board were ousted following conflict-of-interest allegations. Sacramento Bee et al.
Bill Uses Tax Code To Boost Individual Health Insurance
A recently introduced proposal would shift tax credits for buying health insurance from employers to individuals as part of an effort to encourage more people to enroll in health plans outside of group coverage options. CongressDaily.