Latest California Healthline Stories
Anthem Misled Millions About Health Plan Networks, Lawsuit Alleges
A lawsuit filed by Consumer Watchdog alleges that Anthem Blue Cross took part in fraudulent enrollment practices by misleading its customers about which doctors and hospitals were participating in its new plans. The lawsuit also alleges that Anthem did not inform members that their preferred doctors were not covered until it was too late to switch plans. Kaiser Heath News.
Sutter Health Announces Plans To Launch Health Data Exchange in Northern California
Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health recently announced that it will launch a fully-integrated health information exchange that will connect its electronic health record system with other providers’ EHRs across Northern California. Sutter Health has tapped Orion Health to help build and implement the HIE, and work on the HIE will begin this summer.
Millions in Funding Restored to California Program for Young Children With Disabilities
The California Department of Developmental Services has announced that funding for the state’s Early Start program will be restored to pre-recession levels, increasing from $270 million in 2013-2014 to $293 million in 2014-2015. The program provides treatment for 30,000 infants and children under age 3 who have adaptive, cognitive, communication, emotional, physical or social disabilities. HealthyCal.
S.F. Supervisors Adopt Laura’s Law Mental Health Program
On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 9-2 to adopt Laura’s Law, which will allow involuntary treatment of individuals with severe mental illness. Supervisor Mark Farrell, the measure’s sponsor, said it will “help those who are clearly suffering and cannot help themselves,” but patient advocates said the measure violates individuals’ civil rights. KQED’s “State of Health” et al.
Stanford Researchers Find Inactivity a Greater Obesity Driver Than Diet
A recent study by Stanford University researchers finds that a lack of physical activity is more of a driver than diet when it comes to obesity. However, lead author Uri Ladabaum, a gastroenterologist at Stanford University Medical Center, said the findings do not mean diet is unrelated to obesity. KQED’s “State of Health.”
Calif.-Based Health Net the Target of Most Complaints About Arizona Exchange Plans
The majority of complaints about narrow provider networks in plans offered through Arizona’s health insurance exchange have been levied against Woodland Hills, Calif.-based Health Net. So far, 89 of the 110 complaints received by the Arizona Department of Insurance related to Health Net, which offered the least-costly plan available through the state’s insurance exchange. Arizona Republic.
Appeals Court Ruling on ACA Subsidies Case Imminent
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit is expected to rule as early as this week in a case that challenges the Affordable Care Act’s subsidies to help consumers purchase coverage through the federal insurance exchange. A ruling in favor of the plaintiffs could result in nearly five million people losing their federal subsidies. Newsweek et al.
State Deemed $250M in Health Premium Increases Unreasonable
A report by Consumer Watchdog finds that about $250 million in planned health insurance premium increases from April 2012 to November 2013 were determined to be excessive by state regulators. The group currently is supporting a ballot measure that would grant the state regulatory authority over health insurance rates. Reuters.
Calif. Seniors Soon Could Face a Shortage of Orthopedic Surgeons
The number of California residents ages 60 and older who need treatment for falls, fractures or broken bones may soon surpass the number of orthopedic surgeons available to care for them in some areas of the state, advocates say. A program implemented in Modesto to train and retain such providers could be used as a model for other cities. HealthyCal.
Brown Signs Bill Delaying ACA Deadline for Small Businesses
A new law gives small California businesses with fewer than 50 employees a one-year extension until the end of 2015 to ensure that their work-based health coverage is in compliance with the Affordable Care Act. State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, who supports the law, called it “a victory for all California small businesses.” Sacramento Business Journal et al.