Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan posted a fourth quarter loss, but will move ahead with plans to invest $10 billion in hospitals. It is the first quarterly net loss for Kaiser in three years. Oakland Tribune.
$400M Released to Public Hospitals
Public hospitals in California will receive federal funds and state emergency cash advances to help avoid financial problems related to Medi-Cal at the facilities. Oakland Tribune.
UNOS Seeks Probation for UCI Transplant Program
UCI officials said they will not challenge probation for the hospital’s kidney transplant program and will work to fix problems. Los Angeles Times.
HSAs Could Pose Challenges for Some Consumers
Limited consumer information could complicate the spread of health savings accounts and consumer-driven health plans. New York Times.
Budget Provision Alters Medicaid Asset Transfer Rules
Two newspapers recently examined a provision in the 2006 budget under which seniors now face tighter restrictions on the transfer of assets when applying for long-term Medicaid coverage.
Anesthesiologist Decline to Supervise Execution After Criticism
Some medical groups say requiring an anesthesiologist to be present during the execution of an inmate is in opposition to ethical guidelines. Sacramento Bee.
AMA Will Develop Performance Measures
The head of the American Medical Association and congressional leaders sign an agreement for AMA to work with Congress to create performance measures. New York Times.
Proposal Could Increase Military Retiree Health Care Costs
Congress might have “to choose between savvy politics and budget discipline” in considering the proposal, which the Department of Defense says is needed to address retiree health care costs. AP/Long Island Newsday.
Proposals Seek Changes to State Workers’ Compensation System
Three ballot measures that would repeal changes to the workers’ compensation system enacted by Gov. Schwarzenegger could cost employers billions of dollars, according to the legislative analyst. Los Angeles Times.
Governor Restores Medi-Cal Provider Payments
Savings from the Medicare drug benefit will allow the state to repeal a 5% payment reduction for Medi-Cal fee-for-service providers, Gov. Schwarzenegger says. Los Angeles Times, et al.