Latest California Healthline Stories
Healthy Kids Programs Gain Momentum in Counties Statewide
Four years after the first Healthy Kids program sprang up in Santa Clara County, homegrown health insurance programs have spread to almost half the counties in California, covering children who fall through the cracks in state and federal programs.
HealthVote2005: Proposition 78 and Proposition 79
Two measures on the Nov. 8 special election ballot seek to create prescription drug discount programs, although the provisions of each measure — one sponsored by a coalition of drug makers and one sponsored by a coalition of labor and advocacy groups — differ.
Data From Medicare Drug Benefit Eyed for Rx Safety Project
CMS Administrator Mark McClellan in May proposed using prescription drug information collected through the new Medicare drug benefit to improve FDA surveillance systems. McClellan and HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt have said personal data will remain secure, but some advocates have raised questions.
Stakeholders Work To Implement Mental Health Services Act
Mental health advocates and county officials are drafting plans for programs to be funded by Proposition 63, which state voters approved in November 2004. Proposals vary statewide, but advocates are optimistic about the effect the measure will have on the state’s mental health care system.
California, Federal Officials Address Medi-Cal Funding Strategies
California and 14 other states are in talks with federal officials to address some accounting practices related to Medicaid. California officials say the practices are legitimate but have agreed to some changes requested by CMS officials.
California Insurers Expect Widespread Participation in Medicare Drug Benefit
Although some critics have questioned how many health plans will sign on to offer prescription drug coverage to Medicare beneficiaries, California health plans in urban and rural areas alike say they will participate in the Medicare drug benefit program. Some advocates continue to voice concerns about how health plans will implement the program and what beneficiaries can expect.
Debate Over Hospital Prices Plays Out in California
An ongoing debate about potential cost savings from changes CalPERS made in its Blue Shield of California HMO network highlights price tensions between hospitals and health care payers, with a recent state analysis raising some questions about savings estimates and new legislation being introduced to make CalPERS’ health care decision-making more transparent.
Proposals Could Affect Federal Funding for Medi-Cal
California residents send more federal taxes to Washington, D.C., than they receive in federal funding in part because of the state’s demographic make up. However, proposals for Medicaid funding are under consideration that could increase or decrease the federal contribution to Medi-Cal.
Reaction Mixed to Health-Related Provisions of Schwarzenegger Budget Proposal
Health care players reacted differently to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2005-2006. Some Democratic lawmakers voiced opposition to some provisions related to health care, but organizations representing California health care providers praised other proposals.
Medicare HMO Members Get Savings for 2005
Provisions in the 2003 Medicare law provided funds to increase payments to Medicare HMOs and expand benefits for seniors covered under such plans. However, some advocates are concerned that Congress might consider reducing such funding because of federal budget deficits.