Industry Giants Anthem, Centene Among The Lowest-Rated Medicaid Plans In California
State data show all but one of Anthem’s Medi-Cal managed care plans rate below average according to widely used measures of patient care. Centene runs the three lowest-performing plans statewide.
Renewed Cleaning Efforts For Scopes Not Enough To Vanquish Bacteria
A new study, though small, finds extensive damage to commonly used medical scopes that could trap dangerous bacteria. That raises concerns about the potential for more outbreaks.
California Fines Kaiser Permanente $2.5 Million Over Missing Medicaid Data
The HMO blew two deadlines to supply information required by the state to monitor Medi-Cal managed care plans. Kaiser says it is “taking steps” to resolve the problem.
One GOP Plan Says States That Like Their Obamacare Can Keep It
California and other states could continue to cover people under the ACA or create new approaches, according to a bill introduced Monday. Many Democrats fear such state options won’t draw enough federal funding and will fragment coverage nationwide.
California Withdraws Bid To Allow Undocumented Immigrants To Buy Unsubsidized Obamacare Plans
State lawmaker says he was worried the Trump Administration would use information on those who purchased plans to try and deport them.
Merger May Revitalize California’s Flagging Effort To Pool Medical Records
An Obama administration veteran will take the helm of Cal INDEX as it combines with the Inland Empire Health Information Exchange, creating a database covering nearly 17 million patients.
Leading Republicans See A Costly Malpractice Crisis — Experts Don’t
The incoming HHS secretary wants to boldly reform the malpractice system, saying hundreds of billions are wasted on “lawsuit abuse” and defensive medicine. Industry experts say premiums and claims are down and “it’s a wonderful time for doctors.”
Grilled About Deadly Superbug Outbreaks, Execs At Scope Maker Olympus Take Fifth
Lawyers who deposed top company officials in a civil case say they declined to answer questions about their failure to warn American hospitals of infection risks. Industry giant Olympus also is the subject of a criminal probe.
The Throwaway Scope: A Way To Ditch Superbugs?
Small manufacturers are betting that disposable medical scopes will slash the risk of infection during procedures. Some doctors are skeptical of the cheaper models.
Deadly Infections Linked To Heart Surgery Device Highlight Holes In FDA Monitoring
The federal agency took 14 months to warn the public about the potential for infections. Officials say they acted as fast as they could.