02/03/2012
On Wednesday, California's new autism advisory task force launched a series of public meetings to develop recommendations on autism services that health insurers should cover. The panel -- chaired by Brent Barnhart of the Department of Managed Health Care -- will look at various treatments, including applied behavior analysis. The panel will deliver its recommendations to Gov. Brown by the end of the year. KQED's "The California Report."
02/02/2012
In an email to more than two million registered California voters this week, Sen. Dianne Feinstein endorsed a proposed state ballot measure that would give California regulators the authority to approve health plan premium increases. Feinstein urged voters to sign petitions in support of the measure, which needs 505,000 signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Los Angeles Times' "Money & Co."
02/02/2012
Many state Medicaid directors are concerned about a provision of the federal health reform law that requires insurers to pay a tax on premium revenue. Some directors hope the federal government will exempt Medicaid managed care plans from the tax. Kaiser Health News/McClatchy.
02/01/2012
Blue Shield of California has reached a settlement with the California Department of Insurance to cover behavioral therapy as a treatment for autism under the state's Mental Health Parity Law. Los Angeles Times, AP/San Jose Mercury News.
01/30/2012
On Tuesday, the National Union of Healthcare Workers plans to hold a one-day strike at Kaiser Permanente hospitals over proposed cuts to health and retirement benefits and long wait times for psychiatric care. In addition to the 4,000 NUHW members, about 17,000 members of the California Nurses Association and 650 members of the Stationary Engineers Local 39 plan to strike in sympathy. Kaiser facilities plan to remain open during the walkout. San Francisco Chronicle.
01/27/2012
The California Department of Insurance is examining the business practices of Lap-Band surgery centers affiliated with a state-based marketing campaign, according to health insurance company Aetna. Marketing campaign officials say they are unaware of the investigation. Los Angeles Times.
01/27/2012
On Thursday, a federal judge indicated that she likely will strike down a federal law that prevents same-sex partners from receiving long-term health care benefits. The case stems from a lawsuit that UC-San Francisco employees filed against CalPERS. San Francisco Chronicle.
01/27/2012
The Assembly has passed bills that would expand coverage of mental health care services and require insurers to cover oral chemotherapy treatments. Meanwhile, a bill to establish a universal health care system in California stalled in the Senate. Sacramento Bee et al.
01/27/2012
On Wednesday, health insurer WellPoint -- the parent company of Anthem Blue Cross in California -- announced that it earned $335.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, a 39% decline from the $548.8 million in earned during the final quarter of 2010. The company attributed the drop to a $50 million loss in the quarter through a Northern California plan that drew more customers with higher risk profiles who generated more in claims than the premiums they paid. The plan was discontinued on Jan. 1. AP/Sacramento Bee.
01/24/2012
The California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems and Blue Shield of California have made contributions to Gov. Brown's November tax initiative. Brown said support from Kaiser Permanente will be announced soon. KQED's "Capital Notes" et al.
01/24/2012
On Friday, HHS confirmed that most health insurers and employers by Aug. 1 must comply with a federal health reform law regulation to cover at no cost preventive services and contraceptives for women. The Obama administration rejected a request for a broad exemption by not-for-profit religious groups and employers that oppose birth control on religious grounds. However, such church-affiliated organizations will have additional time -- until Aug. 1, 2013 -- to comply with the requirement. New York Times et al.
01/20/2012
On Thursday, Kaiser Permanente announced it will convert its intravenous equipment to safer alternatives that are devoid of two chemicals that have negative effects on health and the environment. Kaiser will begin purchasing medical products that are free of the chemicals PVC and DEHP, which can cause reproductive problems and other negative health effects, and pollute the environment. The announcement reflects a broader push by the U.S. health care system to encourage medical equipment suppliers to use safer chemicals when manufacturing products. Washington Post.
01/20/2012
On Thursday, the California Senate Appropriations Committee voted 6-2 to approve a bill, by Sen. Mark Leno, that would create a single-payer health care system, clearing the way for a vote in the full Senate. An analysis of the bill found that creating a single-payer system to serve all 37 million state residents could cost up to $250 billion annually. The measure does not include any taxes or fees to offset the cost of the system, which would be run by a new state agency. Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert."
01/19/2012
Federal data show that enrollment in California's Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is the highest in the nation. As of Nov. 30, 2011, more than 4,900 Californians had enrolled in PCIP, according to the federal statistics. Sacramento Business Journal.
01/19/2012
HHS has announced that 28 states have made progress in establishing health insurance exchanges under the health reform law. Some states have established their authority to set up the exchanges, while others have used executive orders to prepare for the exchanges. Reuters et al.