Latest California Healthline Stories
Democrats Criticize Proposed Medicaid Cuts
Implementing President Bush’s proposed regulatory changes to Medicaid would result in “severe cuts” to the program, Democratic legislators wrote in a letter to HHS Secretary Leavitt. CQ HealthBeat.
Compromise Benefits Pharmacists, Customers
A letter to the editor by the CEO of the American Pharmacists Association lauds a California law that requires pharmacists to dispense medications but allows them to opt out if dispensing certain medications violates their beliefs. Washington Post.
HHS Grants Aim To Encourage Home Care
HHS will award $1.75 billion in grants to states to allow Medicaid beneficiaries to reside in their homes or in their communities. CQ HealthBeat.
California Doctors Say Medicare Payments Are Inadequate
Payments to doctors who treat Medicare beneficiaries in 10 California counties are low because some urban areas have been designated as rural areas for reimbursement purposes. Doctors say they might stop accepting new Medicare beneficiaries unless reimbursement rates are increased. Sacramento Bee.
Reimbursement Rates Could Affect Patient Care
Disputes between insurers and doctors over reimbursement rates — such as the disagreement between UnitedHealth and San Francisco Bay Area physicians — could force patients to find new care providers or select new health plans. San Francisco Chronicle.
HHS Approves Medicaid Waiver for Massachusetts Law
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt approved a Medicaid waiver that will help Massachusetts implement a new state law that requires all state residents to purchase health insurance. Boston Globe, AP/Houston Chronicle.
UnitedHealth Donates To Proposed UC Medical Schools
UnitedHealth Group will donate $10 million over three years to the proposed medical schools at two University of California campuses as part of an agreement reached during it acquisition of PacifiCare Health Systems. Los Angeles Times, Fresno Bee.
‘Price Transparency’ Provision Removed From Bill
The provision would have required hospitals to make public some price information. CQ HealthBeat, The Hill.
State Instructs Nursing Homes, Care Facilities on Heat Protocols
Gov. Schwarzenegger issued a directive calling for the state to contact all nursing homes and residential care facilities about evacuation procedures as a statewide heat wave continues. Office of the Governor, AP/Modesto Bee.
More Companies Offering Benefits to Caregivers
About one-quarter of U.S. companies offer basic elder care benefits and about 9% of companies offer additional benefits, a recent survey finds. Wall Street Journal.