Latest California Healthline Stories
Reduced Retiree Health Benefits Anticipated
A new survey found that most employers plan to reduce medical plans for current and future retirees within the next five years. Long Island Newsday et al.
Tenet Settles Medicare Payment Suit
Tenet Healthcare agreed to pay $725 million to settle several federal investigations into whether the company overbilled Medicare and improperly recruited physicians in Los Angeles, San Francisco and other cities. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal.
Businesses Pose Challenge to Employer Mandates
Efforts to impose a health plan contribution mandate on employers in San Francisco could be impeded by legal challenges if the mandate takes effect. Separately, an editorial and opinion piece address the San Francisco budget. Time.com et al.
Ballot Measures Could Influence Governor’s Race
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have not yet taken positions on many of the November ballot initiatives, but it appears that the candidates will differ in their support for several measures. The ballot will include at least two health care-related measures and an initiative by the California Nurses Association. San Francisco Chronicle.
Diabetes-Related Deaths High in San Joaquin County
County health officials say more funding and health policy changes are needed to address diabetes. Stockton Record.
Legislators Push for Health Coverage Expansions
Lawmakers have proposed a number of bills to expand health insurance in California, including measures that create employer mandates and a single-payer health care system. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.
More Companies Offer Consumer-Driven Health Plans
A greater number of companies offered consumer-driven health plans in 2005, but many remain uncertain about their effectiveness, a survey finds. AP/Los Angeles Times.
County Must Conduct In-Home Service Assessments
A Superior Court judge ordered Alameda County to comply with state law and conduct assessments of patients’ in-home service needs within 30 days of being discharged. Oakland Tribune.
Lawmakers Approve $131 Billion State Budget
The Senate and Assembly passed a $131 billion state budget for 2006-2007 that does not include proposed funding for children’s health insurance and includes less funding for emergency preparedness than Gov. Schwarzenegger proposed. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Governors Say Changes Would Shift Medicaid Costs
The National Governors Association says recent policy changes would shift costs to states and reduce state-funding strategies previously approved by CMS. CQ HealthBeat.