Blue Shield Disagrees With Jones’ Assessment of Premium Rate Hike
Blue Shield of California officials say a 9.8% premium rate hike — which Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones recently rebuked — is justified because of rising health care costs and new taxes and fees.
Returning Health Bills on Capitol Agenda
The California Legislature is back in session with a long list of health-related bills to consider — or reconsider — in the 2014 session.
Exchange Extends Payment Deadline
Californians who signed up for health insurance through Covered California will get a little extra time to pay premiums. Insurers agreed to extend the deadline for payment until Jan. 15.
Legislature Returns, So Will Some Bills
Several bills might seem familiar this legislative session, as lawmakers consider bringing back proposals that fell short in 2013.
Exchange Applications Hit Million Mark
More than one million Californians have applied for coverage through Covered California in the first three months of the new health insurance exchange. About 400,000 completed the process and were enrolled by Dec. 22.
Critical Times for State Health Exchange
Covered California officials expect a surge of sign-ups as deadlines rapidly approach for the state’s new health insurance exchange.
Exchange Sign-Ups Increasing Dramatically
Covered California officials report a spike of 50,000 enrollees in a single week of December, far exceeding the pace of sign-ups in the first two months.
Physician Group in Favor of Provisions Dropped From New California Law
A California law passed last session to crack down on prescription drug misuse had one requirement pulled from the bill, and now a national physician group is calling for renewed commitment to that requirement.
Forum Examines Price Transparency
The possibility of legislation to align hospital prices in California was mentioned during a forum in Sacramento yesterday that examined price transparency in health care.
Medicare Briefing Examines Hospital Trend To Observe Rather Than Admit
A concern that hospitals might be delaying admission of Medicare patients got national attention in a televised Washington, D.C., briefing last week.