Latest California Healthline Stories
Clinton Mandates ‘Fair’ Appeals Process
President Clinton Saturday ordered Labor Secretary Alexis Herman to assure a “fair and unbiased” appeals process for patients receiving delayed or denied coverage by private health insurance plans, the AP/Dallas Morning News reports.
Hospital Use of Online Purchases Increases, but not as Quickly as Expected
A new study of hospital purchasing patterns finds
“E-procurement is catching on,” but less “rapidly” than observers had predicted, Reuters Health reports.
Closure Concessions Buried in Tax Bill
While the Clinton administration and Congress have moved to close a “glaring” Medicaid loophole that could cost U.S. taxpayers at least $20 billion over the next five years, many states have “secured special protections” that will “cushion the impact” of “loophole-closing” legislation, the Washington Post reports.
Los Angeles Times Suggests Changes
A Los Angeles Times editorial published today argues that “Congress’ failure” to enact “promised health care reforms” — “especially for working-poor families” — has shifted the responsibility of fixing the system to governors’ offices.
22nd District Candidates on Health Issues
Prior to the election, California Healthline is profiling the health care views of candidates in some of the state’s key races.
Physican Groups Need New Strategies To Prevent Further Failures
As physician groups continue to “collapse,” health professionals are devising new payment models for health plans, doctors groups and their physicians in an effort to stem the growing crisis, the Los Angeles Times reports.
‘Communication Gap’ Can Have Dangerous Health Consequences
While there are no official tallies of every patient’s race, ethnicity or language ability, “those on the front lines of patient care do not doubt a communication gap exists,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
Rate Hikes Follow Changing Nature of Care
More than 150,000 health care consumers have sued their insurers for raising long term care insurance premiums between 25% and 700% — a trend that has left many Americans unable to afford the insurance “just when they need it most,” the Los Angeles Times reports.
Seven New ‘Graphic’ TV Ads Released
Gov. Gray Davis (D) and the state Department of Health yesterday released seven new antitobacco television ads “attacking cigarette makers for promoting a product that causes cancer and other deadly diseases,” part of a $45 million media campaign funded by a 25-cent per pack cigarette tax, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Davis Criticizes Proposition 36
Gov. Gray Davis (D) spoke out yesterday against Proposition 36, the ballot initiative that would send non-violent first- or second-time drug offenders to treatment facilities instead of jail or prison, the San Jose Mercury News reports.