Latest California Healthline Stories
What’s on Tap for Reform Before Next Congress Takes Over
As Congress enters a lame-duck session, lawmakers face several pieces of health reform-related legislation. Some Democrats may also weigh using the final days of their House majority to enact their own fixes to health reform.
How the Midterm Elections Could Shape Reform
The debate over health reform was heavily framed by the midterm elections. While Democrats had hoped the law’s passage would boost their prospects, Republicans appear likely to make significant gains and could further shape the overhaul’s implementation.
Has Reform Improved Health Care Yet?
The bulk of the federal health reform law’s provisions are slated to launch in 2014, but several incremental changes have already taken effect. An early look at those provisions shows mixed results for insurance access, services utilization and system improvements.
A Tale of Two Campaigns: Repeal vs. Reinforce
Republican efforts to do away with health reform have coalesced around a strategy to defund the law. Meanwhile, Democrats will mount a spirited defense of the overhaul timed to its six-month anniversary and the rollout of new provisions.
Politics of Economy May Affect Health Care Policy
Financial concerns from Sacramento to Washington, D.C., are overshadowing the health reform overhaul and could shape implementation efforts moving forward.
Some Fear IPAB Will Be Error of Commission
Proponents of the Independent Payment Advisory Board — which is slated to launch in 2014 — hail IPAB as a transformative effort to ensure needed cost controls, but critics warn that the board will weaken Medicare and harm patient care. Both sides note that IPAB may undergo a makeover before its ultimate debut.
Berwick Takes Reins at CMS, But Reign Might Be Short
Donald Berwick’s selection to run CMS is among President Obama’s most influential policy decisions. However, the White House’s move to install Berwick via recess appointment has been criticized and may complicate his role in the reform law’s implementation.
New Data From Mass. Revive Old Concerns
Massachusetts has served as the proverbial canary in the health reform coal mine, and new findings about rising health costs and access concerns in the Bay State underscore the risks of the nation’s health care overhaul.
New Payment Method May Help Curb Costs, Improve Care
Payment bundling, an important part of national health care reform, is likely to be an integral part of California’s effort to revamp its health care system. The new tool has the potential to deliver lower costs, more efficient reimbursement and better patient outcomes.
High Court Asks Solicitor General’s Opinion in Medi-Cal Case
If the U.S. Supreme Court chooses to hear California’s arguments in favor of reducing Medi-Cal reimbursements, the court’s ruling could have a significant impact on the entire Medicaid program and, in turn, on how health care reform rolls out across the country.