The Week Ahead
The new fiscal year in California begins July 1.
A federal law is scheduled to take effect that will require individuals seeking Medicaid benefits to show proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, passport or other form of identification. However, a class-action lawsuit filed June 28 alleges that the law is unconstitutional and should not be implemented.
A 2004 law takes effect that will ban vaccines containing thimerosal above a trace level for vaccines used in children younger than age three and pregnant women. Thimerosal is a preservative that contains about 50% ethyl mercury.
Blue Cross of California will reduce physician payments for colonoscopies by 20% for procedures performed in hospitals under a policy set to take effect July 1. The policy will increase physician payments to 5% above standard fees when colonoscopies are performed in physician offices or ambulatory surgery centers.
The Legislature will not convene in observance of Independence Day.
Summer recess begins for California lawmakers. The legislative session will resume Aug. 7.
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.