Latest California Healthline Stories
Bar Raised for Insurers’ Language Assistance Services
New state regulations require managed care plans to translate materials and make interpreters available on demand for members who need language assistance. Two advocacy groups plan to monitor health plans’ compliance. Sacramento Bee.
Study Exposes Low Rate of HIV Testing for Latinos
Researchers said the lack of HIV testing contributes to most Latinos discovering they are HIV-positive less than one year before developing AIDS. Los Angeles Times.
Veterans Not Informed of Health Data Security Lapses
Officials for the Department of Veterans Affairs told a Congressional Committee that they are continuing to look for the cause of a data breach at an Alabama facility. AP/Arizona Daily Star.
Hospital News Roundup for March 3
Fresno hospital system prepares to consolidate services; community advocates oppose hospital sale in San Diego County
Opinion Pieces Discount Single-Payer Legislation
The leader of Scripps Health says a public-private solution is necessary to reform California’s health care system, while a San Jose Mercury News editorial says debate over a single-payer health care system belongs on the national stage. San Diego Union-Tribune, San Jose Mercury News.
Report Advocates Changes to Medicare Physician Payments
Options include moving to a payment system that prioritizes preventive care or one that considers regional differences in medical costs. A separate report called for Medicare managed-care plans to be reimbursed at the same rate as traditional Medicare plans. CongressDaily et al.
Insured Kids Fare Better in Hospitals, Study Finds
Uninsured children are less likely to receive higher-cost procedures and more likely to be discharged sooner than children with health insurance, according to new research. Hospital groups dispute the findings of the study. USA Today.
Army Fires Commander of High-Profile Hospital
Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s commander was relieved of his duty Thursday as Congress called on Navy and Marine Corps leaders to testify about the quality of care provided at their own medical facilities. Washington Post et al.