Latest California Healthline Stories
Covered Calif. Reopens Enrollment for COBRA Policyholders
Covered California has begun a special open enrollment period for individuals covered by COBRA health plans who want to transition to health coverage offered through the state health insurance exchange. The two-month period will end on July 15 and could affect nearly 300,000 state residents. Sacramento Business Journal, Fresno Bee.
Measure To Raise Medical Malpractice Cap Qualifies for Nov. Ballot
An initiative that would increase the compensation ceiling on medical malpractice lawsuits and require physicians to submit to random drug testing has qualified for the November ballot. Supporters say the state must increase the cap to account for inflation, but opponents say the measure would increase health care costs in the state. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal” et al.
Indiana Gov. Reveals Alternative Medicaid Expansion Plan
On Thursday, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence unveiled a proposal to expand the Healthy Indiana Plan, an insurance program for low-income residents, as an alternative to expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Under the proposal, the federal government would pay for the full cost of the expansion — which would cover an additional 350,000 low-income residents — through 2016 when the state would gradually begin to pay up to 10% over several years. The proposal must undergo a 30-day review by the state before being submitted to CMS for final approval. Politico.
Calif. Senate Advances Bill Expanding Qualifications for Exchange Board Members
On Thursday, the California Senate unanimously passed a bill that would require members of the state’s health insurance exchange board to have experience in health product marketing, information technology, information systems management or enrollment assistance. The bill was altered last month to remove a provision that would have added two seats to the board. The measure now heads to the Assembly. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Calif. Residents File Lawsuit Over Blue Shield’s Provider Network for Exchange Plans
On Wednesday, two San Francisco residents filed a lawsuit against Blue Shield of California claiming that the insurer misrepresenting the provider networks offered for plans available through the state health insurance exchange. The lawsuit also accuses the insurer of breach of contract, false advertising and unfair business practices. Reuters.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 16, 2014
Fitch Ratings has given Sutter Health an “AA-” rating on its bond debt despite the hospital system’s $22 million operating loss in 2013. Tim Moran has been named CEO of Tri-City Medical Center, effective June 23. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center plans to consolidate its women’s and children’s health services.
UC-Irvine Gives Google Glass to All Medical Students
The UC-Irvine School of Medicine has distributed Google Glass devices to all of its students. First- and second-year medical students will wear the device during classes on anatomy and clinical skills, and the device will be worn by third- and fourth-year students during hospital rotations. C-Net.
UC-Berkeley Study Finds Hazardous Chemicals at Alameda, Monterey Child Care Centers
Researchers at UC-Berkeley studied the air and floor dust at 40 child care centers in Monterey and Alameda counties and found that every center contained hazardous polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. The authors said such chemicals — which often are used in flame retardants — have been linked to numerous health effects, including neurodevelopmental delays in children. Health Canal.
Burwell Poised for Smooth Confirmation After Second Hearing
At the second of two Senate confirmation hearings, Senate Finance Committee members questioned Sylvia Mathews Burwell — President Obama’s nominee for HHS Secretary — about fixes to the Affordable Care Act, whether she will be responsive to future inquiries and other topics. Burwell appears to have garnered more bipartisan support for her confirmation. Los Angeles Times‘ “Politics Now” et al.
1,430 Kaiser Pharmacists Prepare To Strike Over Pension Benefits
Nearly 1,500 Kaiser Permanente pharmacists in Southern California are set to go on strike beginning Monday if their pension benefits are not restored. Kaiser has made agreements with seven outside pharmacies to provide patient services if a strike occurs. San Bernardino Sun, Orange County Register.