Latest California Healthline Stories
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.
Outcome of Health-Related Ballot Measures Has Implications for Future Reform Efforts
Some health policy players say that the outcome of the five health-related ballot measures on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot could inform future efforts to reform health care but differ as to what comes next. Looking at the results, some see increased support for expanding health coverage, while others see voter sensitivity to the state budget deficit and economy.
Medi-Cal Redesign Effort Being Informed by Other States’ Experiences
As the Schwarzenegger administration considers plans to redesign Medi-Cal, they are looking to other states that have taken on similar projects with their own Medicaid programs for examples of what such reforms can entail.
Medi-Cal Faces Uncertain Changes
The Schwarzenegger administration on Aug. 2 is expected to announce a proposal to overhaul Medi-Cal, and some stakeholders are concerned about what the proposal could entail.
Drug Discount Cards Worth a Second Look for Some Consumers
The Medicare discount drug program is a mixed bag for California seniors, an analysis of 33 national discount drug card sponsors’ prices found. For people who take a lot of prescription drugs, the savings offered by some of the cards can be significant. But even with those savings, the remaining cost to consumers is still high.