HHS To Provide $51M For Efforts To Set Up Insurance Exchanges

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
HHS has made available $51 million to assist in the creation of statewide health insurance exchanges. The health reform law stipulates that states must have such exchanges up and running by 2014, but official standards have yet to be finalized. CQ HealthBeat et al.

Expand Mental Health Care Coverage, Editorial Says

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Under the health reform law, insurers are required to provide coverage for mental health care at the same levels as other medical care, but health plans with 50 or fewer employees are exempt, according to a San Jose Mercury News editorial. A bill, by Assembly member Jim Beall, would extend mental health parity to all California residents with insurance, and "it's time for the governor to acknowledge California's moral obligation to treat the mentally ill. He should sign the parity bill," the editorial concludes. San Jose Mercury News.

Calif. Lawmakers Weigh Options For Scrutinizing Health Plan Rate Hikes

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
State lawmakers are developing plans to review premium hikes, as mandated under the federal health reform law. Legislators are considering three measures, while Gov. Schwarzenegger has introduced his own proposal. Los Angeles Times.

WellPoint Posts 4% Increase In Profit For Second Quarter

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
On Wednesday, health insurance company WellPoint reported a second-quarter profit increase of 4% on $722.4 million in revenue, a 26% increase in earnings from the same period in 2009. However, CEO Angela Braly said she expects losses in California -- possibly at more than $100 million -- because of obstacles preventing Anthem Blue Cross from going through with planned rate increases. Braly called the situation in California "unsustainable" and said there is need for rate hikes to cover the growth in medical costs. Los Angeles Times, Indianapolis Star.

HHS Clarifies Rules For Children's Health Care Insurance Policies

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
HHS has issued new rules on how health insurers can structure coverage for children's plans. The agency released the updated policy after hearing confusion about how insurers can offer children's insurance policies under the health reform law. The Hill, CQ HealthBeat.