Latest California Healthline Stories
No Late-Enrollment Fee for Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
Dropping the late-enrollment fee for some beneficiaries enrolling in Medicare drug plans is part of an effort to expand coverage to low-income beneficiaries who qualify for additional subsidies. Stockton Record.
Progress on Health Care Reform Possible in 2007
Blue Shield of California’s Bruce Bodaken asked policymakers to maintain a spirit of bipartisanship and a commitment to substantive reform as they consider proposals to expand health insurance coverage. San Francisco Chronicle.
House Likely To Pass Drug Price Negotiations Bill
The issue could heighten debate about the government’s role in the market and escalate discussions about health care policy. Some senators are considering a filibuster on the legislation. USA Today et al.
Amendment to Bill Would Permit Association Health Plans
The provision would allow businesses with fewer than 100 employees to form the association health plans, which would not have to meet state benefits requirements. CongressDaily, Wall Street Journal.
Stem Cell Agency Funds Consortium
The goal of the consortium is to obtain a large grant from the state’s stem cell agency to build a joint research facility on the UC-San Diego campus to conduct human embryonic stem cell research. An opinion piece argues for more transparency in the agency’s grant application process. San Diego Union-Tribune, Oakland Tribune.
Universal Health Coverage, Mental Health Parity Bills in the Works
Sen. Edward Kennedy said that he supports an extension of Medicare to all U.S. residents but added that he would consider other proposals. AP/Boston Herald.
Proof-of-Citizenship Law Might Be Affecting Medicaid Enrollment
Some officials in states with declining enrollment and processing backlogs said that the law is preventing U.S. citizens and certain legal immigrants from obtaining benefits. CongressDaily et al.
Health IT Implementation Should Be High Priority
Only one-fourth of hospitals and less than 15% of physicians have implemented health care IT, according to former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and the head of Siemens Medical Solutions’ health IT group. Philadelphia Inquirer.
Governor Unveils Health Care Reform Proposal
Gov. Schwarzenegger said his plan will save $10 billion annually by reducing costs and redirecting state money already in the health care system. Contributions would be required from employers, individuals, insurers, medical providers and the government. Sacramento Bee et al.
Governor’s Reform Proposal Faces Criticism
Some Republicans and business groups say Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal breaks his pledge to not raise taxes, but administration officials say the governor’s plan does not constitute a tax increase. Whether the payments called for in the plan are classified as “fees” or “taxes” affects the number of votes required to approve the legislation. Sacramento Bee et al.