Latest California Healthline Stories
Hospitals Sue Blue Cross Over Cancellations
A lawsuit filed by five Southern California hospitals alleges that Blue Cross of California authorized medical treatment, then refused to pay after retroactively canceling members’ policies. The case is similar to allegations against the insurer by some former policy holders. Los Angeles Times.
Senate Votes To Block Malpratice Legislation
In consecutive votes, two bills addressing medical malpractice did not receive the 60 votes required to end debate and allow the legislation to move to the Senate floor. AP/Las Vegas Sun, et al.
Kaiser Permanente To Change Pricing System for Employers
Changes in the way Kaiser Permanente will calculate rates in 2007 could increase costs for large employers and unions with many retirees. Sacramento Business Journal.
Low-Income Seniors Not Getting Drug Subsidy
About 24% of Medicare beneficiaries eligible for a low-income subsidy under the prescription drug benefit have received approval, a report finds. USA Today et al.
CMS Investigates Kaiser Kidney Program
Federal inspectors are reviewing patient information and interviewing staff to determine whether Kaiser’s kidney transplant program meets standards to receive federal funds. Los Angeles Times.
County Considers Cardiac Treatment System
San Diego County could institute a new system for treating heart attack patients, but standards set by the county would be lower than national recommendations. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Elder Care Shifts to Home-Based Options
Federal funding decisions regarding elder care recently have begun shifting toward home-based care options, in part because of cost and longer life spans. Wall Street Journal.
VA To Warn Patients About Possible Contamination
About 1,000 patients at a Veterans Affairs hospital in California received prostate biopsies with a medical device that might have been contaminated. San Francisco Chronicle.
Senate To Debate Association Health Plan Bill
The Senate plans to debate a bill that would allow small businesses to form association health plans across state lines. AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution et al.
Lt. Governor, Insurance Commissioner Candidates Address Health Care
Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi said he would reform the lieutenant governor’s position and advocate for universal health care if elected, while Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante has started a weight loss campaign in his bid for insurance commissioner. San Jose Mercury News, Los Angeles Times.