Latest California Healthline Stories
CalPERS Launches Fund for Retiree Benefits Costs
CalPERS is offering the trust fund in response to new accounting rules that require state and local governments to disclose future retiree health care liabilities. Sacramento Business Journal.
Kaiser Replaces Head of Electronic Records Project
Kaiser executives say that the staff change is not related to recent problems with Health Connect and that the electronic records system will be fully deployed in two years. Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Business Times.
Pay-for-Performance Program Takes Look at Efficiency
Integrated Healthcare Association is expanding its pay-for-performance initiative to include data detailing the total resources used to treat groups of patients with certain conditions. San Francisco Business Times.
CalPERS Launches Fund for Retiree Benefits Costs
CalPERS is offering the trust fund in response to new accounting rules that require state and local governments to disclose future retiree health care liabilities. Sacramento Business Journal.
Bush Avoids Comment on Funding for Kids’ Insurance Program
Governors are seeking millions of dollars in supplemental funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, but President Bush and his administration are standing by their calls for states to rein in spending on the program. CongressDaily et al.
WellPoint Preparing for Change in Leadership
Larry Glasscock will step down as president and CEO of WellPoint, the parent company of Blue Cross of California. A general counsel and public relations executive at the insurer will replace him, to become the only female CEO among the top 50 U.S. companies. USA Today et al.
Governor Stumps for Health Proposal in Washington, D.C.
While in Washington, D.C., this week, Gov. Schwarzenegger has pitched his health care reform proposal to President Bush and plans to take up the issue with HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. Schwarzenegger said the president is supportive of the plan, but the governor declined to say if Bush has agreed to kick in additional federal funds to pay for it. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Snag in Computer System Trips Up Medicare Benefits
An error triggered bills for Medicare beneficiaries whose premiums are covered by the state. Consumer advocates have brought a lawsuit against the Department of Health Services in the matter. MediaNews/San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Examiner.
Appeals Court Upholds Constitutionality of Stem Cell Agency
The ruling sets the stage for a likely appeal to the California Supreme Court, a possibility that could further delay the issuance of bonds in the matter. Gov. Schwarzenegger joined stem cell research advocates in applauding the decision. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Hospitals Report Wide Gap in Pneumonia Outcomes
A state report attributed the range of pneumonia mortality rates to a variance in clinical practices at California hospitals. The report is part of a series of studies intended to inform the public about the quality of care at hospitals. Los Angeles Times, Modesto Bee.