Breaking News in Healthcare Reform
Snippets of news & commentary with a special focus on
health policy, Medicare for All & California
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Special Alert
“…the California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act. AB 2200 would enact a comprehensive framework of governance, benefits, program standards, and health care cost controls for a single-payer health care coverage system in California.”
Assemblymember Ash Kalra, California Nurses Association Introduce CalCare Legislation
California Nurses Association | February 7, 2024
“Last year, lawmakers in 29 states and Washington, D.C., considered some 90 bills to limit prior authorization requirements, according to the American Medical Association, with notable victories in New Jersey and Washington, D.C.”
States Target Health Insurers’ ‘Prior Authorization’ Red Tape
Kaiser Family Foundation | Bram Sable-Smith | February 12, 2024
“Though a spike in utilization among seniors slammed [Medicare Advantage] payers last year, particularly in the fourth quarter, each of the six major national firms turned a profit in 2023.”
Medicare Advantage Headwinds Didn’t Prevent Payers from Turning a Profit in 2023
Fierce Healthcare | Paige Minemyer | February 9, 2024
“…an algorithm that determines coverage based on a larger data set instead of the individual patient’s medical history, the physician’s recommendations, or clinical notes would not be compliant….”
AI Cannot Be Used to Deny Health Care Coverage, Feds Clarify to Insurers
Ars Technica | Beth Mole | February 8, 2024
“A new state office charged with controlling the rising cost of health care in California is moving toward one of the most aggressive goals in the nation, aiming to cap cost increases to 3% a year.”
California Wants to Cap Your Medical Bills. Guess Who’s Pushing Back.
CalMatters | Ana B. Ibarra | February 8, 2024
“…insurance coverage expansion alone is insufficient to overcome healthcare disparities….”
Despite Insurance Coverage, People Living In Poor Neighborhoods Have Worse Surgical Outcomes: Study
Fierce Healthcare | Frank Diamond | February 7, 2024
“On paper, it wouldn’t seem like the perfect moment for California Democrats to finally pass universal health care…. But the political landscape in the Legislature has shifted since Assemblymember Ash Kalra’s last attempt.”
Why Single-Payer Might Actually Make It to Newsom’s Desk
Politico | Rachel Bluth | February 7, 2024
“Uptake of the Pfizer antiviral has remained stubbornly low since it transitioned to the commercial market in the fall, in part because of patients sometimes being charged up to the full list price of $1,400.”
Exclusive: Biden Admin Officials Push Pharmacy Execs on Paxlovid Costs
Axios | Tina Reed | February 7, 2024
“The proposal in question, known as site-neutral payments, would save both taxpayers and patients money and has support from experts across the political spectrum.”
Hospital Lobbying Could Sink Effort to Trim Medicare Costs
Axios | Peter Sullivan | February 5, 2024
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