Latest California Healthline Stories
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.
Hill Physicians Medical Group Pilots EHR Program
Hill Physicians Medical Group, an independent practice association in Northern California, in March will launch what group officials say is the largest private online electronic medical records system and practice management system in the United States. The launch is part of the group’s effort to enable smaller physician practices to gain momentum in the push to automate records in a measured and cost-effective fashion.
Drug discount programs in Maine and Ohio prompt some questions about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (R) California Rx proposal and other proposals to address medication costs.
Reimportation Remains an Issue in Efforts To Address Prescription Drug Costs
A recent poll found that a majority of U.S. residents support legalizing reimportation of prescription drugs, and some California lawmakers are supporting efforts to facilitate the practice. However, some say that the new Medicare prescription drug benefit will reduce some pressure to legalize reimportation.
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.
Legislators Pursue Universal Health Care Proposals
Despite the repeal of a state law that would have required some employers to provide health insurance to employees, some California legislators are pursuing legislation that would create a universal health care system in the state. The details of the proposals vary but reflect legislators’ sustained interest in expanding health coverage.