Latest California Healthline Stories
Blue Shield Hit With Suit Seeking To Bar Policy Cancellations
The case against Blue Shield of California could have implications for other health insurers, many of whom argue that it is not illegal to cancel individual policies whether information left off of applications is intentional or accidental. Los Angeles Times.
State Court Greenlights Individual Tobacco Suits
A ruling by the California Supreme Court effectively reopens the field of individual lawsuits against tobacco companies in California, after the tobacco industry used a federal appeals court ruling to move such cases to federal court where most were dismissed. Los Angeles Times.
Hospital News Roundup for February 16
L.A. City Attorney accuses hospital of hampering patient dumping investigation; Kaiser Permanente and Catholic Healthcare West place bids for Level II trauma designation
Medicare, Medicaid Cuts on the Table at Senate Hearing
Acting CMS Administrator Leslie Norwalk defended President Bush’s proposal to cut more than $75 billion from the two programs, saying that the plan is intended as a projection that CMS would review independently. CongressDaily, CQ HealthBeat.
Pay-For-Performance Program Seeks Higher Doctor Bonuses
Approximately 35,000 physicians in 210 medical groups are eligible for the program, and bonus payments have totaled about $145 million since it began. San Francisco Business Times.
$3 Million Goes to Nursing Programs in California
The latest round of grants under a state program to increase the number of health care providers in California brings to $18 million the amount of state grant funding awarded to the effort during Gov. Schwarzenegger’s tenure. Office of the Governor.
Bush Signs Federal Omnibus With Increased Health Funds
President Bush enacted the law after the Senate approved the measure on Thursday. NIH is among the agencies receiving a funding boost under the package. AP/Arizona Daily Star.