Latest California Healthline Stories
CMS Publicly Releases Medicare Part B Payment Data
For the first time since 1979, CMS has publicly released Medicare physician payment data, which identifies 38 of the top-paid doctors practice in California. Although both federal officials and advocacy groups say the information will increase transparency, they also caution against misinterpreting the data. Los Angeles Times et al.
Calif. Legislative Committees Advance Assisted-Living Reforms
Yesterday, multiple state legislative committees advanced a package of bills aimed at improving care at assisted-living centers across California. The majority of testimony during the committee hearings supported enacting the legislation, but some trade groups expressed concerns about certain provisions. U-T San Diego.
California Lawmakers To Reconsider Medical Interpreter Legislation
California lawmakers this year will consider legislation that would implement a system — called CommuniCal — aimed at improving Medi-Cal beneficiaries’ access to medical interpreters and allowing such workers to unionize. A similar bill was vetoed by Gov. Brown last year. Capital Public Radio/KVPR, NPR’s “Morning Edition.”
S.D. Health Department To Undergo Trauma Training After Report Links Childhood Trauma, Adult Health
In a recent letter, San Diego County Health and Human Services Director Nick Macchione announced that his department’s entire staff will undergo training on assisting individuals who are experiencing trauma. The move comes after the state Department of Public Health last week released a study on how childhood trauma affects health in adulthood.
Advocates Criticize L.A. Officials for Inadequate Outreach About Outbreak of Meningitis
On Tuesday, health care and gay community advocates criticized the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for not adequately educating high-risk populations and residents who do not speak English about an outbreak of bacterial meningitis in the area. So far, eight individuals in the county have been diagnosed with meningitis this year, including four men who have sex with men. Advocates also criticized the health department for failing to mention the three meningitis-related deaths in its initial press release about the outbreak. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Many California immigrants who qualify through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act still could forego coverage because they cannot afford the $465 application fee for the program. Even for those who can afford the fee, the application process takes an average of four to six months to complete. HealthyCal.
San Joaquin County Officials Warn Residents To Take Preventive Measures Against West Nile Virus
Public health officials in San Joaquin County are warning residents to begin taking steps to protect themselves from West Nile Virus by eliminating standing water near their homes and ensuring that doors and windows close tightly. Alvaro Garza, the county’s public health officer, said that officials recently found a dead bird that tested positive for the mosquito-borne illness. Stockton Record.
Kan. Passes Bill To Block Medicaid Expansion Indefinitely
The Kansas Legislature has approved a bill (HB 2552) that will continue to block any efforts to expand the state’s Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act indefinitely. The measure heads to Gov. Sam Brownback (R) for his consideration. AP/Modern Healthcare, Wichita Eagle.
CMS Eliminates Proposed Medicare Advantage Cuts for 2015
CMS has reversed a previously proposed 1.9% payment cut for Medicare Advantage plans and instead will increase such payments by 0.4%. Although the change follows backlash from lawmakers and industry leaders, CMS says it was made in response to the way various risk factors for the plans are assessed. Washington Post‘s “Wonkblog” et al.
Calif. Vaccination Rates Receive More Scrutiny Amid Outbreaks
California residents who opt out of vaccinating their children when they enter kindergarten are coming under scrutiny in light of recent outbreaks of infections — such as measles and whooping cough — across the state. Meanwhile, experts say a new state law could reduce the number of vaccine exemptions. EdSource.