Latest California Healthline Stories
Senate Panel Members Question Medicare Payment Reduction
Members of the Senate Finance Committee in a letter have asked CMS to reconsider a proposed regulation that would reduce Medicare reimbursements for long-term care hospitals. CQ HealthBeat.
Group’s Participation in Medicare Information Sessions Criticized
A Democratic challenger to Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.) alleges that the lawmaker allowed a pharmaceutical and insurance industry coalition to provide biased information to seniors about the Medicare drug benefit. Contra Costa Times.
Bush Asks Congress To Help Expand HSAs
President Bush on Thursday said that Congress should pass legislation to provide tax breaks to promote the expansion of health savings accounts and reduce health care costs. CQ HealthBeat.
Medicare Drug Benefit Deadline Extended for Some Beneficiaries
CMS will allow “ongoing” enrollment in the Medicare prescription drug benefit for beneficiaries who qualify for a low-income subsidy. Wall Street Journal et al.
Hospital District, Insurer Reach Tentative Medi-Cal Deal
Officials at Palomar Pomerado Health and Health Net announced they have reached a tentative agreement on the Medi-Cal component of their contract, which expired last month. North County Times.
Bush Urges Enrollment in Medicare Drug Benefit
President Bush called on Medicare beneficiaries who are non-English speakers to enroll in the prescription drug benefit and noted that assistance is available to help non-English speakers enroll. Washington Post et al.