Latest California Healthline Stories
Arizona Medicaid Plan Could Be National Model
Gov. Janet Napolitano said the Arizona Medicaid program could save $83 billion over the next 10 years by increasing its use of managed care. CQ HealthBeat.
Fewer Hospital Admissions Seen Under High-Deductible Health Plans
Employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans are more likely to visit primary care physicians for no-cost preventive examinations on a regular basis than those enrolled in traditional plans, a study found. Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Nurses Rally Against Expected Ruling
Nurses are protesting an expected change in the definition of a manager that could make more nurses ineligible for union membership based on their job duties. Contra Costa Times et al.
Long-Term Insurance Plans Vary Widely, Report Says
A report examining long-term insurance plans found too much variance among plans and calls for standardized policies. Sacramento Bee.
CMS To Test HSA Options for Medicare Beneficiaries
The demonstration project will allow insurers to offer Medicare beneficiaries health plans with components similar to health savings accounts, although Medicare law does not permit private insurers to offer HSAs to beneficiaries. The Hill.
Tenet Making Improvements at Some Hospitals
Tenet Healthcare will sell some hospitals and make improvements at facilities in California and other areas of high population growth as it works toward fiscal solvency. AP/Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Liver Transplant Center’s Survival Rate Too Low
The University of Southern California University Hospital’s liver transplant program has a survival rate lower than that required by the state and federal government to receive certification and funding. Los Angeles Times.
Blue Shield, UCLA Medical Center Split Over Payment Rates
Blue Shield of California managed-care plan members will no long be able to receive services at the University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center because the insurer and hospital could not agree on reimbursement rates. Los Angeles Times.