Latest California Healthline Stories
U.S. Senators Support Expanding Telehealth To Boost Access to Care
During a U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing this week, stakeholders discussed how telehealth has reduced costs and improved outcomes, but they noted that barriers, such as broadband connectivity and reimbursement, still exist. Senators said they largely support increasing the use of telehealth and expanding Medicare reimbursements for the services. AHA News et al.
Study: Californians With Mental Health Issues Face Discrimination
A new RAND study finds that California residents with mental health issues often face discrimination and in some cases delay seeking care because of the stigma associated with such issues. Researchers say the findings suggest a need for the development of stigma reduction programs in the state. Medical Daily‘s “The Grapevine” et al.
Calif. Senate Panel Advances Bills Targeting Foster System’s Rx Use
This week, the California Senate Human Services Committee advanced a legislative package that seeks to curb the use of psychiatric medication among children in the state’s foster care system. The bills include various reforms, such as increasing monitoring of children who are prescribed such drugs. San Jose Mercury News, Sen. Monning website.
Jones Calls Anthem’s Rate Hike ‘Unjustified and Unreasonable’
Yesterday, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones criticized Anthem Blue Cross of California for imposing a near 9% average rate increase on about 170,000 members. Jones called the rate hike “excessive,” noting that the Department of Insurance had determined a 1.5% increase to be justifiable. Modern Healthcare et al.
Folsom State Prison Medical Care Receives Passing Grade
The California inspector general gave medical programs at Folsom State Prison a passing grade, calling overall care at the prison “adequate.” The state is working to regain control of its prison health care system, which has been under federal control for nearly a decade. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Calif. Senate Committee Approves Bill To Expand Paid Family Leave Job Protection
On Wednesday, a state Senate committee advanced legislation that would extend job protection for those who take paid family leave to businesses with 25 or more employees. Under current law, jobs are only protected for those who work at businesses with at least 50 employees. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Anthem Blue Cross Fined More Than $57K by DMHC
The Department of Managed Health Care has levied fines totaling $57,500 against Anthem Blue Cross of California in response to seven incidents in which the insurer violated state regulations. The violations primarily involved how the insurer handled enrollee grievances, and the fines range from $5,000 to $18,000. Payers & Providers.
Audit Calls on LAFD To Overhaul 911 Billing Practices
An audit released Tuesday by Los Angles City Controller Ron Galperin recommends that the Los Angeles Fire Department make changes to its billing practices to collect more than $16 million annually. Currently, LAFD only charges 911 callers who are taken to a hospital and has caps on the amount it can charge beneficiaries of Medicaid and Medicare. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
CMS Pressures More States To Expand Medicaid Programs
On Tuesday, CMS notified health officials in Kansas and Tennessee that failing to expand their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act could jeopardize federal funding for uncompensated care pools. CMS previously told Florida and Texas that Medicaid expansion is an “important consideration” regarding whether it will extend funding for its Low Income Pool program. Kaiser Health News.
GOP Senator Unveils Contingency Plan for ACA Federal Subsidies
Republican Sen. Ron Johnson has introduced a bill that would allow U.S. residents to continue receiving federal subsidies for their health plans purchased through the federal exchange until August 2017 if the Supreme Court strikes them down in King v. Burwell. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling on the case in June. The Hill, Wall Street Journal‘s “Washington Wire.”