Latest From California Healthline:
California Healthline Original Stories
Doughnut Hole Is Gone, But Medicare's Uncapped Drug Costs Still Bite Into Budgets
Beneficiaries pay 25 percent of the price of their brand-name drugs until they reach $5,100 in out-of-pocket costs. After that, their obligation drops to 5 percent. But it never disappears. (Michelle Andrews, )
Good morning! Here are your top California health stories for the day.
Hundreds Protest Against State’s Push To Offer Comprehensive Sex Education, Lessons On Gender Fluidity In Public Schools: With chants of “too much, too soon,” protesters called for a rejection of California Board of Education’s proposed Health Education Framework, which covers a wide variety of matters including nutrition and physical activity, sexual health, alcohol and drugs, as well as mental, emotional and social health. Those attending the rally said the state shouldn’t strip parents of their right of how and when to discuss sensitive topics with their children. The framework does not mandate what should or shouldn’t be taught, according to state documents. “Our priority is to make all children feel comfortable at school,” department of education spokesman Scott Roark said. “Dispelling myths, breaking down stereotypes and linking students to resources can help prevent bullying, self-harm, feelings of hopelessness, and serious considerations of suicide. Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
Newsom Accuses PG&E Of Only Paying Lip-Service To Public Safety: Gov. Gavin Newsom said the troubled utility company, which has played a central role in the deadly wildfires as of late, is only interested in quick profits. “I am troubled to learn that PG&E is primed to reconstitute its board with hedge fund financiers, out-of-state executives and others with little or no experience in California and inadequate expertise in utility operations, regulation and safety,” Newsom wrote in a letter to CEO John Simon. Until now, Newsom has said relatively little about PG&E’s future other than to say he and his advisers are meeting frequently about the utility. Read more from the Sacramento Bee.
Bill Would Create Workforce Of Certified Peer Counselors For Patients In Need Of Mental Health Care: The legislation from state Senator Jim Beall (D-San Jose) would require the Department of Health Care Services to establish a certification in four categories: peer, parent, transition-age youth and family support specialists. There are roughly 6,000 peer support workers all over the state, and California is one of only two states that don’t have a certification process in place or in the works. Former Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed an identical bill last year, stating a certification program would be too costly. Read more from Capital Public Radio.
Below, check out the full round-up of California Healthline original stories, state coverage and the best of the rest of the national news for the day.
More News From Across The State
San Francisco Chronicle:
New Siblings, Old Secrets: DNA Links 4 Strangers Through Bay Area Fertility Clinic
Over a matter of weeks, genetic testing by Meyer, Tofte and others exposed the decades-old secrets of at least four families — creating new links, answering questions that had long been festering, and in some cases shattering bonds of trust between children and parents. ...The 1960s were pioneering days in artificial insemination. The practice started in the United States in the 1940s among a handful of discreet doctors, but wouldn’t become mainstream until the late 1970s. (Allday, 3/29)
Oakland Tribune:
Health Department Warns Of Livermore Measles Exposure
Alameda County health officials said Thursday that a visit to a barbecue restaurant last weekend could have exposed dozens of diners to measles. In an advisory, staff said people who visited Sauced BBQ & Spirits restaurant, 2300 First Street #120, between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on March 23, may be at risk of developing the disease if they are not immune. At-risk populations include anyone who is not vaccinated or suffers from a weakened immune system, as well as anyone who is pregnant, a health care worker or an infant 12 months old or younger. Exposed members of the public should call a health care provider and the Alameda County Public Health Department at 510-267-3250 by no later than Friday. (Kelly, 3/28)
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
For Second Consecutive Year, Sonoma County’s Overall Health Ranking Declines
For the second year in a row, Sonoma County’s rank in a key national measure of community health and wellness has declined when compared with other California counties. According to the 2019 County Health Rankings compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute, Sonoma County dropped to No. 8 in overall health outcomes of its residents among the state’s 58 counties, a slip from No. 7 in 2018 and a high of No. 5 in 2017. (Espinoza, 3/28)
Los Angeles Times:
Using Genetics To Try To Figure Out How To Get Mosquitoes To Stop Biting Us
Among all the beasts in the animal kingdom, perhaps none is more dangerous to humans than the mosquito. The whiny insects aren't just irritating — they can be deadly. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reckons that mosquitoes are responsible for at least 700,000 deaths worldwide each year, thanks to their ability to transmit diseases such as malaria and yellow fever with a single bite. (Netburn, 3/28)
East Bay Times:
Five Verity Health Clinics To Remain Open After Sale, New Owners Say
ilicon Valley Medical Development said this week that all five health clinics it’s buying from a bankrupt nonprofit will be open and operating on Monday when the $1.27 million sale closes, although many of the current employees still don’t know if they’ll be around then. ...The nonprofit, an affiliate of the El Camino Healthcare District, purchased three clinics — Good Samaritan, McKee and Willow Glen clinics — in San Jose, as well as Gilroy Primary Care and Morgan Hill Medical Associates. The clinics currently are operated by Verity Medical Foundation, a subsidiary of the nonprofit Verity Health System, which filed for bankruptcy in August and is in the process of selling its properties. (Vo, 3/29)
San Diego Union-Times:
Ramona Health Clinic Opens In New Location
North County Health Services expects to accommodate more patients with better flow at its new Ramona medical clinic that opened Tuesday, March 26. NCHS Ramona clinic is serving patients in a remodeled facility at 220 Rotanzi St., formerly the Sears building. The former clinic at 217 Earlham St., which was occupied by NCHS since 1978, closed as of Friday, March 22, to make the transition. The former site was about 5,000 square feet and the new location is about 8,500 square feet. By moving, the clinic increased its capacity from eight medical exam rooms to 13 exam rooms and from two dental chairs to four dental chairs with expanded operatory space. (Gallant, 3/28)
KPBS:
Palomar College Film Shines Light On Sex Trafficking Survivors
A student film produced at Palomar College has been accepted into the Manhattan Film Festival. "Shattered Dreams: Sex Trafficking in America," is a documentary featuring three survivors of sex trafficking. The film and trailer also won an award of excellence from the Accolade Global Film Competition. (Colbert and Monet, 3/28)
Modesto Bee:
Clinic In Turlock Offers Services For The Homeless
United Samaritans Foundation held a mobile clinic outside its offices in Turlock on Thursday, offering basic primary care, health education, wellness checks and other services for the homeless and those at-risk for homelessness. Employment, shelter, public benefits, housing assessment and other information was available. (Clark, 3/28)
Capital Public Radio:
Two Women Retrofit Bus To Offer Showers For Homeless Residents In Stockton, Lodi
Mary Jarrard and Kelly Hanisch have a 20-passenger bus and a vision called “Showered with Love.” They are retrofitting the bus with two shower stalls and plan to have it on the road within three to six months. (Ibarra, 3/28)
The New York Times:
Dealing Another Blow To Trump, Federal Judge Strikes Down Rule Skirting Requirements Of Health Act
A federal judge on Thursday struck down a Trump administration rule that allows small businesses to band together and set up health insurance plans that skirt requirements of the Affordable Care Act. The rule is “clearly an end-run around the A.C.A.,” said the judge, John D. Bates, of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia. The ruling was the second big defeat this week for President Trump on a top-priority item on his health care agenda as he has sought to use the courts to obliterate his predecessor’s signature achievement. Another judge on Wednesday blocked Medicaid work requirements in Arkansas and Kentucky. (Pear, 3/28)
Reuters:
U.S Judge Strikes Down Rule Allowing 'Skimpy' Health Insurance Plans
The rule, put forward by the U.S. Department of Labor, would have allowed small businesses and those who are self-employed to band together and buy lower-cost health insurance policies, similar to large employers. In the suit filed by 11 states and the District of Columbia, the judge found the department unreasonably expanded the definition of employers to include groups without any real commonality of interest as well as business owners without employees. (3/28)
The Washington Post:
Judge Strikes Down Trump’s Health Care Plan To Go Around Obamacare
The 43-page ruling, submitted by U.S. District Judge John D. Bates of the District of Columbia, blocks new rules from the Trump administration overseeing “association health plans,” which would allow small businesses to combine their forces to offer less expensive plans outside the ACA that would be both less expensive and provide fewer health protections. “The final rule is clearly an end-run around the ACA,” Bates, an appointee of President George W. Bush, wrote in the Thursday ruling. “Indeed, as the president directed, and the secretary of labor confirmed, the final rule was designed to expand access to AHPs to avoid the most stringent requirements of the ACA.” (Bella, 3/29)
The Wall Street Journal:
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Rule On Association Health Plans
An additional four million people were expected to enroll in these less comprehensive plans by 2023, according to the Labor Department, which issued the final rule. “We disagree with the district court’s ruling and are considering all available options,” Justice Department spokeswoman Kelly Laco said. “The administration will continue to fight for sole proprietors and small businesses so that they can have the freedom to band together to obtain more affordable, quality health-care coverage. The Association Health Plan rule opened health-care options for dozens of associations representing thousands of small businesses and sole proprietors and provided them with access to the same type of affordable health-care options offered by other employers.” (Armour, 3/28)
Politico:
Trump Administration Suffers Another Obamacare Blow In Court
“We are pleased that the District Court saw past the Trump Administration’s transparent effort to sabotage our health care system and gut these critical consumer protections in the service of its own partisan agenda,” New York Attorney General Tish James, one of the parties to the suit, said in a statement. It was not immediately clear if the administration would appeal. (Demko, 3/28)
The Wall Street Journal:
Trump, Congressional Republicans In Standoff Over Health Law
President Trump continued to reach out to Republican lawmakers Thursday to take the lead on crafting a health plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, working to hand off the politically sensitive effort ahead of the 2020 elections. Senate Republicans, meanwhile, want the administration to take the lead on developing a plan while they remain on politically safer ground, working on popular voter issues such as lowering drug prices and ending surprise medical bills. (Armour and Peterson, 3/28)
The Associated Press:
Ruling Creates Uncertainty For States' Medicaid Work Rules
The governor whose state is at the center of the fight over work requirements for Medicaid recipients said Thursday he wants to fight a judge's ruling blocking those rules, while Republicans elsewhere are trying to determine the decision's effect on their state. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson urged the federal government to appeal the ruling against his state's requirement that certain people covered by its Medicaid expansion work or lose their coverage. A day earlier, a federal judge in Washington blocked work requirements in Arkansas and Kentucky. (3/28)
The New York Times:
How Joe Biden Struggled With Abortion Rights For Decades
It was a new era in Washington in 1981, and abortion rights activists were terrified. With an anti-abortion president, Ronald Reagan, in power and Republicans controlling the Senate for the first time in decades, social conservatives pushed for a constitutional amendment to allow individual states to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that had made abortion legal nationwide several years earlier. The amendment — which the National Abortion Rights Action League called “the most devastating attack yet on abortion rights” — cleared a key hurdle in the Senate Judiciary Committee in March 1982. Support came not only from Republicans but from a 39-year-old, second-term Democrat: Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Lerer, 3/29)
The New York Times:
Bernie Sanders Says ‘No’ To Incrementalism, Highlighting Divide Among Democrats
When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced legislation this week to strengthen the Affordable Care Act, Democrats across the ideological spectrum were quick to express their support: moderates, liberals, even Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the often uncompromising progressive freshman. But not Bernie Sanders. When asked on Tuesday night whether he, too, supported the House bill, Mr. Sanders was defiant. “No,” he said tersely. “No,” he said again, when pressed. “The incremental reform that I support is phasing in ‘Medicare for all.’” (Ember, 3/29)
The Associated Press:
US Begins Organ Transplants From Living Donors Who Have HIV
Surgeons in Baltimore have performed what's thought to be the world's first kidney transplant from a living donor with HIV, a milestone for people with the AIDS virus — and one that could free up space on the transplant waiting list for everyone. Nina Martinez of Atlanta traveled to Johns Hopkins University to donate a kidney to an HIV-positive stranger, saying she "wanted to make a difference in somebody else's life" and counter the stigma that too often still surrounds HIV infection. (3/28)
The Wall Street Journal:
Johnson & Johnson To Air First TV Ad For Drug That Discloses Its Price
Johnson & Johnson plans to start airing the first U.S. television commercial for a prescription drug that discloses how much it costs, a nod toward rising political pressure over prices. The ad for J&J’s bloodthinner Xarelto—a version of which has already been on the air without mentioning price—will now end by briefly showing its list price of $448 a month. It is scheduled to start running nationally on Friday, according to Scott White, head of J&J’s pharmaceuticals business in North America. (Loftus, 3/28)
Los Angeles Times:
Trump's Title X Rule Will Restrict Abortion Access And Obstruct Women's Healthcare
The Trump administration’s disdain for women’s reproductive rights and reproductive healthcare are well known. Shortly taking office, President Trump reinstituted the “global gag rule” that forbids foreign aid for any overseas healthcare provider that offers abortions or abortion counseling — even if the federal funds are carefully spent only on nonabortion services. Since his election, Trump has regularly threatened to defund Planned Parenthood. He has appointed anti-abortion judges and cut federal grants for family planning research. Now, he and the officials he has put in place at the Department of Health and Human Services are taking aim at the much-respected Title X Family Planning Program in an effort to further limit women’s access to safe and legal abortion. (3/25)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Another Giant SF General Bill Gets Trimmed — Time For Comprehensive Action
Jeffrey Lance, the Bernal Heights graphic artist who owed $54,908.35 for an appendectomy at San Francisco General Hospital, spent months pleading with the hospital and his insurance company, Aetna, to get his bill reduced. ...He checked his online Aetna account, which The Chronicle reviewed, and sure enough, it says he now owes $1,500, between his deductible and co-pay. That’s a $53,408.35 reduction for those keeping track at home. (Heather Knight, 3/26)
Los Angeles Times:
Mr. President, The Real National Emergency Is Fentanyl
President Trump and his minions cooked up a fake national security crisis to justify diverting billions of dollars to build a bigger, wider border wall to keep out of the hordes of immigrants he imagines marching across the deserts, hills and prairies between established ports of entry. It’s bad enough that he’s wasting money and time on a manufactured crisis, but it’s all the worse that he’s doing so when the U.S. is facing an actual crisis — one that is killing tens of thousands of Americans every year — and doing little to stop it. (3/29)
The Mercury News:
Why California Should Ban Flavored Tobacco
The tobacco industry knows a thing or two about blowing smoke on the hazards of smoking. They tout flavored e-cigarettes as a “safe tobacco alternative,” as if there was such a thing. Smoking kills 40,000 Californians every year. It remains the state’s No. 1 cause of preventable death. Meanwhile, the tobacco industry uses e-cigarettes to hook the next generation. The increase in vaping among youth is rising at such an alarming rate that the U.S. Surgeon General is calling it an epidemic that “demands action to protect the lives of young people.” (3/28)
Sacramento Bee:
The Homeless Problems Cause Warring Factions With No Easy Solutions
Writing about the homeless is like diving into a bottomless pit of recriminations. Everyone seems to have an opinion about the homeless people we see on our streets every day. But if my email and voice mails are any indication, most of those opinions are divorced from facts and reality. After writing about homelessness on March 24, I was inundated by warring constituencies who are equally angry, but for different reasons. (Marcos Breton, 3/28)
Sacramento Bee:
CBD Products Derived From Hemp Should Be Legal In California
There was a time when American farmers were legally required to grow hemp. Among the agricultural enthusiasts who produced the crop were George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Times changed. Hemp, burdened by its connection to cannabis, was disparaged and banned in 1937. But the venerable plant is making a comeback – with support from the federal government. (Eric Paul Zamora, 3/26)
The Mercury News:
California Must Prioritize Clean Drinking Water
Silicon Valley companies are known for their innovation and creativity; from the development of laptops and smart phones that make people more productive, to the zero-emission vehicles that will reduce air pollution, and the apps that keep us all connected. Sadly, not everything produced in the Golden State is a source of pride; namely cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and birth defects caused by contaminants in our state’s water – which affects approximately 1 million Californians. (Mike Mielke, 3/29)