09/02/2010
Before the end of the legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill to create a structure for a hospital fee to draw down federal Medi-Cal funds and another bill that relates to lease agreements between hospital operators and districts. Payers & Providers.
08/31/2010
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services is hoping to address its $600 million shortfall for the current and previous fiscal years by drawing down funds from a hospital provider fee and an extension of a federal Medi-Cal waiver. Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now."
08/30/2010
Last week, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder outlined the Obama administration's new efforts to combat Medicare and Medicaid fraud at a summit in Los Angeles. At the meeting, Sebelius noted that CMS has issued a final regulation designed to protect seniors from fraudulent medical supply vendors by requiring prosthetics suppliers to maintain proper ordering documentation and remain open for 30 hours weekly. Los Angeles Times.
08/30/2010
Since December 2007, the economic recession has contributed to a 17% increase in Medicaid enrollment and federal spending on Medicaid has increased by 36%, according to an analysis of state data conducted by USA Today. In addition, health care officials are concerned that physicians will not be able to handle an influx of new patients expected under the federal health reform law. More than 50 million U.S. residents are Medicaid beneficiaries. USA Today.
08/30/2010
Many community health centers are facing major financial strain during California's budget impasse. Some clinics soon might receive "value of claims" letters indicating how much the state owes in withheld Medi-Cal funds. Sacramento Bee et al.
08/30/2010
State officials say they have reached an unofficial agreement with CMS for a 60-day extension to a federal Medi-Cal waiver. The extension would sustain federal funds for 10 county-run health programs. A final agreement is expected by the end of October. Ventura County Star.
08/26/2010
California lawmakers must move bills to the governor's desk by next week. One of the bills working its way through the Legislature would require hospital officials to submit annual reports about adverse medical events and hospital-acquired infections. Los Angeles Times et al.
08/26/2010
On Monday, the Department of Health Care Services suspended Medi-Cal payments to more than 1,000 health care providers statewide because of California's overdue budget. The order exempts hospitals and most nursing homes. Visalia Times-Delta.
08/26/2010
The Department of Health Care Services is requesting a 60-day extension of the state's current Medi-Cal waiver while it negotiates with federal officials over terms for a new waiver. Officials estimate that extending the waiver would cost about $255 million. Payers & Providers.
08/24/2010
Although Kern County has one of the state's lowest ratios of primary care doctors to residents, officials see promise in a state request for a Medicaid waiver to expand California's Health Care Coverage Initiative. The Kern Medical Center Health Plan -- one of 10 county-level pilot programs that make up HCCI -- already has improved access to health care and reduced costs by providing about 5,510 low-income residents with a medical home. Bakersfield Californian.
08/19/2010
On Wednesday, more than one dozen advocacy groups rallied in Sacramento to protest Gov. Schwarzenegger's proposed cuts to In-Home Supportive Services, adult day health care, mental health services and Medi-Cal. Advocates said the proposed cuts would force many residents into institutionalized care. Sacramento Bee, Capital Public Radio's "KXJZ News."
08/19/2010
A law requiring state hospitals to pay about $2 billion in extra fees to secure additional Medi-Cal matching funds from the federal government might prove too great a burden on smaller hospitals that already have low amounts of working capital, according to experts. Payers & Providers.
08/19/2010
States have until Sept. 24 to apply for a share of the $16.1 billion in additional Medicaid funding included in a recently approved state aid package. Earlier this week, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sent a letter reminding state governors of the deadline. CQ HealthBeat.
08/16/2010
Gov. Schwarzenegger has appealed to the state Supreme Court in an effort to reinstate furloughs for state workers. Meanwhile, California lawmakers still have yet to agree on budget cuts to health care and other programs. Sacramento Bee et al.
08/16/2010
Los Angeles County stands to receive more than $60 million in federal funding to support health care-related programs, as part of the $26 billion state aid package that President Obama signed into law last week. The Department of Health Services will get $22 million, the Department of Public Social Services will receive $26 million and the Department of Mental Health will collect $12 million. Los Angeles Times.