Latest California Healthline Stories
Stem Cell Agency To Announce 10-Year Plan
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine said its primary goal in the next 10 years is to establish that a therapy developed from human embryonic stem cells can “restore function for at least one disease.” AP/San Jose Mercury News, Los Angeles Times.
Implementation of Health Care IT Delayed by Privacy Concerns
Concerns over the privacy of medical records have delayed implementation health care information technology in the U.S. New York Times.
Insurers Begin To Reveal Prices for Health Care Services
Health insurers are beginning to reveal the costs of health care services and to consider cost efficiency in creating provider networks. Miami Herald.
Health Access Program Raises Questions
The program is designed to provide access to health care services to the 82,000 uninsured San Francisco residents for about $200 per month. San Francisco Chronicle.
Many Immigrants Have Problems Accessing Mental Health Care
Many low-income immigrants and their families have problems with access to mental health treatment because of language barriers and cultural divides. AP/Monterey County Herald
Reversal of Medicare Physician Reimbursement Reduction Possible This Year
Congress before adjournment this year might approve a provision that would reverse a scheduled reduction in Medicare physician reimbursements. Washington Post et al.
Medi-Cal’s Fresno Office To Close Next Year
The Fresno office performed authorization services, including outpatient therapy and inpatient hospital stays. Fresno Bee.
Judge Approves CalPERS Request in UnitedHealth Lawsuit
UnitedHealth Group CEO William McGuire in October resigned after the release of a report that found he likely received backdated stock options. CalPERS’ order temporarily prevents McGuire from accessing a pension or other benefits promised to him under his employment agreement. Sacramento Business Journal, Financial News.
Stark Criticizes Payments to Medicare Advantage Plans
California Rep. Pete Stark said payments to Medicare Advantage plans are part of an effort by Republicans to privatize Medicare, “complete with a voucher system that leaves seniors to fend for themselves.” Stark cited findings from a survey released this week indicating that payments to Medicare Advantage plans are higher than those for fee-for-service Medicare. San Francisco Chronicle.