Latest California Healthline Stories
Clinical Information Technology Systems Play Larger Role in Chronic Disease Care
Efforts are under way in California and nationwide to use clinical information technology to improve care for patients with chronic diseases. But whether IT can help the fragmented health care system save money or improve care remains unclear.
Reaction To Nurse Staffing Rules Generally Favorable
Almost a year after nurse staffing rules took effect in California, the rules are generally positively received in the health care industry, although some groups are concerned about the rules’ impact on hospitals.
California Health Care Spending Below National Average
Distinct economic, political and social conditions in California result in a unique health care marketplace, in which some costs and utilization rates are below the national average, while some outcome measures are above the national average. Some health policy players consider possible explanations.
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.
Possible Effects of Medi-Cal Redesign, California Performance Review Overshadow Budget Issues
The fiscal year 2004-2005 state budget did not include some funding reductions for health care programs Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) initially proposed, but health care leaders are speculating about possible effects of a state proposal to redesign Medi-Cal and some health-related proposals included in a plan to reorganize the state government.
CalPERS Gets Tough With Hospitals
A new era of hard bargaining is beginning between health plans and hospitals, and the California Public Employees Retirement System is leading the way. CalPERS is taking a hard line with hospitals identified as high-cost service providers and dropping them from its Blue Shield of California HMO network. Other large health care purchasers could follow suit.
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.
Critics, Supporters Debate Effects of Health Savings Accounts
Health Savings Accounts could have a major impact on the health insurance market. Supporters say the accounts will offer new chances to expand coverage. But critics say HSAs will segment the market, enabling the wealthy and healthy to enjoy tax breaks, while low-income and less healthy people are stuck with traditional insurance.
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.
Data Exchanges Go Live in California, Nationwide
A health data exchange project that will officially launch in Santa Barbara this summer is a model for what an interconnected health care system might look like. As similar networks start up nationwide, the heath care community must contend with the long-term funding challenges of such systems.