Latest California Healthline Stories
High-Risk Pool Changes First Reforms on Tap in California
One of the first changes California will see under national health reform is the creation of a new insurance pool for “high-risk” patients. How the new national pool will affect California’s existing program will be closely watched.
Key Questions Remain for Reform Bill’s Rollout
While Democrats are celebrating their passage of historic health reform legislation, there are significant questions about how certain provisions will affect states like California. Plans for new high-risk pools and payment reductions for Medicare Advantage could present challenges for the state.
Why Are Not-for-Profit Providers Lining Up To Be Taxed?
California hospitals are among providers in many states voluntarily asking for new fees or assessments, regardless of the national reform debate’s outcome. The fees are being used to draw down additional federal funding for Medicaid.
‘Elephant in the Room’ Could Be Providers’ Market Power
Health insurers have emerged as a convenient target during the health care reform debate, but some researchers are shining a spotlight on health care providers’ role in driving up health care costs.
Reform Opponents Continue Mobilization in States
As President Obama and Democratic congressional leaders push ahead on health care reform legislation, state lawmakers are considering proposals aimed at letting states opt out of some elements of the proposed bills.
National Reform Plans Don’t Call for Employer Mandate
Gov. Schwarzenegger’s 2007 health care overhaul plan would have required employers to share the cost of expanding health insurance coverage, and the Healthy San Francisco program requires firms to share the cost of ensuring workers’ access to health care services. Democratic congressional leaders and President Obama are proposing other approaches.
Medicaid Expansion a Minefield in Push for Health Care Reform
Proposals that would have opened up Medicaid to millions more Americans set off a fierce battle as states worried about additional costs down the road. Gov. Schwarzenegger was one of the loudest critics of the proposals, perhaps not surprisingly given California’s $20 billion budget deficit.
Is California Ripe for Global Payment, ACOs?
Reworking the health care payment system has been a key aspect of health care reform proposals in Congress. A major Massachusetts insurer has pushed ahead and adopted a global payment system, raising questions about whether California is ready to make a similar move toward global payments and accountable care organizations.
Anthem Blue Cross of California Rate Hikes Spark Outcry
President Obama and other proponents of the Democratic plans for health care reform are pointing to planned rate hikes for Anthem Blue Cross of California’s individual policies as a case in point for overhauling the health care system. Will provisions on medical-loss ratios and rate-increase reviews move forward?
California Urged To Make Changes, Reform or No Reform
State and national health care leaders agree that California should seek ways to improve the state’s health care system no matter what emerges — or doesn’t emerge — from Washington.