Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Would Cut Prop. 187 Language About Undocumented Immigrants
A bill introduced yesterday would delete provisions of a 20-year-old ballot measure aimed at withholding services — such as education and health care programs — from undocumented immigrants. The bill is supported by leaders of the state’s Latino and Asian and Pacific Islander caucuses. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal,” Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Dooley Discusses State of Health Reform in California
Diana Dooley, California’s Department of Health and Human Services secretary and chair of the Covered California board, says the state has been “relatively” successful in implementing the Affordable Care Act. She also noted that it will take “a couple years at least” to change relationships between providers and insurers. KQED’s “State of Health.”
California Receives Largest Share of Multistate GSK Settlement
British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline has agreed to pay more than $100 million in a multistate settlement over allegations that it promoted three medications for unapproved uses. California Attorney General Kamala Harris said the state will receive the largest portion of that settlement — $7.1 million. San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters.
Some Recent College Graduates May Qualify for Covered California Special Enrollment Period
Covered California spokesperson Roy Kennedy said moving back to California after attending an out-of-state college might be a “qualifying life event” for special enrollment in the state health insurance exchange. Consumers generally have 60 days from the date of the life event to select an exchange plan. Merced Sun-Star.
Jones, Gaines To Face Off in California Insurance Commissioner Race
On Tuesday, California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and state Sen. Ted Gaines, an insurance broker, placed first and second in the state primary election for state insurance commissioner, with 53.1% and 41.6% of the votes, respectively. Under the state’s new “top-two” election system, both candidates automatically qualified for the November election. Los Angeles Times.
Final Senate Confirmation Vote for Burwell’s HHS Secretary Nomination Expected Today
On Wednesday, the Senate voted 67-28 to approve a procedural measure that limits further debate on Sylvia Mathews Burwell’s nomination as the next HHS secretary. A final confirmation vote is expected sometime today. The Hill‘s “Floor Action,” Washington Times.
Sacramento-Area Universities Ramp Up Mental Health Services for Students
California State University and UC-Davis over the past three years have boosted the mental health services offered to students. For example, they have added counselors and implemented programs that encourage students with mental health issues to seek help. In the Sacramento area — where both schools are located — about 475 individuals ages 18 to 24 committed suicide between 1991 and 2012. Sacramento Bee.
Nearly $70B in Wrongful Payments Made to MA Plans
The federal government has made nearly $70 billion in wrongful payments to Medicare Advantage programs, primarily because of overbillings made between 2008 and 2013, according to a report released Wednesday by the Center for Public Integrity. CPI analysts said the cost of some MA plans were 25% greater than the cost of regular Medicare coverage in more than 200 counties and the widest variances in prices were recorded in Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota and Texas. The Hill.
Grand Jury Finds Flaws in Ventura County’s EHR Implementation
A Ventura County Grand Jury report finds that the county-operated health system made several mistakes when implementing a new electronic health record system. The report finds that the problems led to delays in patient care and billing processes. Ventura County Star, Ventura County Grand Jury report.
More Than 100K Early Retirees Eligible for Expanded Medicaid
A Government Accountability Office report finds more than 100,000 early retirees who claim Social Security benefits at age 62 could be eligible for Medicaid in states that expanded their programs under the Affordable Care Act. The report shows about one million early retirees lacked either Medicaid coverage or employer-sponsored coverage before the ACA. Modern Healthcare.