Latest California Healthline Stories
Possibility Improves for Universal Health Coverage
Some observers say Democrats’ campaigning on the issue of universal health coverage and a proposal by health insurers to expand health insurance coverage could spur action on the issue, although a larger debate is expected. Hartford Courant.
Passage of Changes to Medicare Doctor Payments Unlikely
Congressional leadership elections prevented consideration of such legislation this week, and some Republicans are considering short-term options — such as a six-month suspension of scheduled payment cuts — in place of permanent changes. CongressDaily.
HCA Shareholders Approve Buyout
The buyout is intended to help the company address problems with bad debt, flat hospital admissions and other issues. A 13-member board that includes representatives from each of three private investment funds, two members of the Frist family and HCA President Richard Bracken will administer the company after the buyout. Wall Street Journal, Tennessean.
Mortality Rate Increases for Alzheimer’s Disease
The large increase in Alzheimer’s disease in Los Angeles County over the last decade could be attributed to improved reporting and diagnosis of the disease, as well as the expanding senior population because of the aging of the baby boomers. Los Angeles Times.
State Fund Board Members Resign
State Fund Chair Jeanne Cain and outgoing Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi said that future appointments by governors to the board must ensure that there are no conflicts of interest. Los Angeles Times.
California Healthline Highlights Recent Hospital News
Contra Costa County approves cuts to inpatient psychiatric unit; Hospital in San Diego County faces loss of Medicare funds
State Delays Enforcing Proof-of-Citizenship Law
If the state does not begin enforcing the Deficit Reduction Act, it could face a federal audit and potentially lose Medi-Cal funding. About 20 other states also have delayed implementing the law. Los Angeles Times.
Further Legal Action Expected in ‘Patient Dumping’ Case
Representatives of Kaiser Permanente and the Hospital Association of Southern California criticized the Los Angeles city attorney’s decision to file charges against the hospital in the case, as the ACLU announced plans for further litigation in the matter.
Some Criticize Wal-Mart Discount Drug Program
Consumer advocates and health care economists say that Wal-Mart’s program might benefit some people without prescription drug coverage but that it will not have a significant impact on the retail drug industry because of exclusions. Other retailers have launched similar programs. Boston Globe.