Report: Health System Quality Varies Among Calif. Communities

A Commonwealth Fund report finds that communities vary in health system quality, with higher income areas mostly outperforming lower income areas. Santa Rosa and San Mateo ranked in the top 10 U.S. regions for health system performance. Los Angeles Times et al.

Lawmakers at Hearing Call for Quick Changes to OPS Investigations

Lawmakers say that changes must be made immediately to the Office of Protective Services' investigation procedures into patient injuries at state institutions. Speakers at the hearing suggested various OPS reforms, as well as closing the office. California Watch.

CBO: Medicare Spending To Nearly Double Over Next Decade to $1.058T

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Medicare spending will nearly double from $563.3 billion in fiscal year 2011 to $1.058 trillion in fiscal year 2022. It also estimates that Medicaid spending will jump from $275 billion in FY 2011 to $622 billion in FY 2022. Modern Healthcare.

Calif. To Receive Funds for Medicaid Mental Health Pilot Program

Yesterday, CMS awarded $75 million to California, the District of Columbia and 10 other states for a Medicaid demonstration program aimed at expanding access to emergency psychiatric care. The program was authorized by the federal health reform law. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Reform Law Expected To Cost Less, Insure Fewer People Than Projected

The health reform law's insurance coverage provisions are expected to cost less than projected over the next decade but provide coverage for fewer U.S. residents than previously estimated, according to a Congressional Budget Office report. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

New California Law Seeks To Expand Telehealth Services for Medicaid Beneficiaries

Capitol Desk

New Rates Higher but Coverage Better

Premium rates for health insurance through Covered California will be higher, but not as high as predicted -- and coverage will be better.

Read Capitol Desk

Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealth Opt Out of State Insurance Exchange

Senate Panel Approves Immigration Bill With Provider Provision

ACA Loophole Could Force Calif. Physicians To Cover Care Costs

State Health Insurance Exchange To Be Voter Registration Hub

CDC Finds Up to 20% of U.S. Children Have Mental Health Disorders

Expert: Premiums for Individual Health Plans in Exchange Will Be High

Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealth Opt Out of State Insurance Exchange

ACA Loophole Could Force Calif. Physicians To Cover Care Costs

Repealing the Affordable Care Act Would Drive Up Federal Deficit, CBO Says

Calif. Health Exchange Announces Recipients of $37M in Outreach Grants

Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealth Opt Out of State Insurance Exchange

ACA Loophole Could Force Calif. Physicians To Cover Care Costs

CDC Finds Up to 20% of U.S. Children Have Mental Health Disorders

S.F., Labor Unions Urge Kaiser To Revise Planned 2014 Premium Rate Hike

Reports Find Variation in Prostate, Breast Cancer Treatments Across Calif.