State Highlights: Calif. Insurance Commissioner Moves To Limit Narrow Networks; Texas Medicaid Pay Ruling
A selection of health policy stories from California, Texas, Connecticut, Oregon, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Texas.
California Healthline:
Inauguration Pomp, Some Substance
Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones (D) used the occasion of his second-term inauguration to announce a regulation to limit narrow networks and push insurers to provide timely access to care. Gov. Jerry Brown (D), in contrast, had a relatively brief mention of health care in his inaugural speech. (Gorn, 1/6)
Houston Chronicle:
Court Ruling In Medicaid Dispute Could Save Hospital Tens Of Millions
A judge has ordered a federal agency to stop using a disputed Medicaid reimbursement method that could have required Houston's Texas Children's Hospital to return tens of millions of dollars a year it uses to help care for the poor and uninsured. U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan in Washington, D.C., directed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services "to take no action to recoup" money the agency contends was overpaid in Texas and Washington. The injunction was sought by Texas Children's and Seattle Children's Hospital, both of which serve a disproportionate share of Medicaid patients. (Ackerman, 1/6)
The Associated Press:
Connecticut Court To Hear Case Of Teen Refusing Chemotherapy
When a 17-year-old Connecticut girl refused medical treatment for cancer and her mother agreed with her decision, state officials took custody of her and forced her to undergo what they called life-saving chemotherapy. The Connecticut Supreme Court will review that series of events under an emergency appeal filed by lawyers for the girl and her mother, taking up an issue decided by several other states — whether some minors are mature enough to make decisions about their own bodies. (Collins, 1/6)
Connecticut Mirror:
Hospital Reports Of Surgical, Medication Errors Climb
Connecticut hospitals reported record numbers of patients killed or seriously injured by hospital errors in 2013, with large increases in the numbers of falls, medication mistakes and perforations during surgical procedures, a new state report shows. (Lisa Chedekel, 1/6)
The Oregonian:
Oregon Hospital System Providence Bans Sale Of Sugary Drinks
This week, many people have a New Year's resolution they're trying to work into their lives. So, too, is Providence Health & Services, which will no longer sell or stock sugary drinks in Oregon hospitals and business offices as part of what's called a healthy dining initiative. On Monday, the organization removed the drinks at its Northeast Portland business office. During the next two months, the drinks will phased out at all eight of Providence's Oregon hospitals, clinics and businesses offices, said Sandy Miller, the organization's director of Health and Nutrition. (Hallman, 1/6)
The Associated Press:
Centra Completes Acquisition Of Lynchburg Insurer
Centra has completed its acquisition of health insurer Piedmont Community Health Plan. Centra bought Integrated Healthcare Incorporated’s 50 percent share in Piedmont for $7.5 million. The deal closed in late December. (1/6)
The Marion Star:
DaVita Settles Kickback Allegations With $22M Payment
Denver-based DaVita HealthCare Partners, which has a dialysis center in Marion, has settled with Ohio and four other states over allegations that the company paid illegal kickbacks to induce the referral of patients to its dialysis clinics, according to a news release. DaVita has agreed to pay $22,356,143 to resolve the allegations regarding the Medicaid program, which is a program shared between the federal and state governments, the release issued by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office states. Ohio’s share of the settlement is $597,227. (1/6)
The Associated Press:
Pennsylvania To Expand Treatment For Mentally Ill Inmates
Pennsylvania prison inmates with serious mental illness who misbehave will be diverted to special treatment units instead of being put in isolated cells, according to a settlement released Tuesday. The settlement between the Corrections Department and the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania, which sued the state in federal court in March 2013, potentially affects about 4,000 prisoners who are considered seriously mentally ill, the department said. (Jackson, 1/6)
The Washington Post:
Two Dead, Including Alleged Shooter, In El Paso VA Clinic Shooting
One person was shot and killed in an El Paso Army medical facility Tuesday afternoon, and the alleged shooter is dead, army officials said Tuesday night. The incident at the El Paso Veteran Affairs Clinic was reported around 3:10 p.m. local time, Maj. Gen. Stephen Twitty, commanding general of Fort Bliss, said at a news conference. (Izadi, 1/6)
The Wall Street Journal:
Gunman, One Victim Dead In VA Clinic Shooting In El Paso
VA officials also wouldn’t discuss specifics or a possible motive for the shooting, but released a statement expressing grief about what had happened. “The Department of Veterans Affairs is deeply saddened by the tragic situation that has occurred in El Paso,” spokeswoman Victoria Dillon said. “We are actively working with our partners at Fort Bliss to investigate this matter.” (Frosch, 1/7)
