Latest California Healthline Stories
Some Young Adults Fall Into Federal Subsidy Gap, Study Finds
A HealthPocket study shows that some young adults with annual incomes that would qualify them for federal subsidies to purchase coverage through the health insurance exchanges have selected health plans with premiums too low to receive the assistance. The study says the gap could explain the slow enrollment among young adults. WHYY/Kaiser Health News.
Many Calif. Homeless Not Taking Advantage of Medi-Cal Eligibility
Even though 53% of homeless individuals in California are eligible for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, many are not taking advantage of the coverage because they are uncomfortable in traditional medical settings or do not understand how to sign up. Many continue to obtain no-cost medical care at clinics. HealthyCal.
Civil Rights Commission Holds Hearing on Patient Busing Practices
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held a hearing to discuss possible reforms to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. The hearing comes after an investigation found that a Nevada psychiatric hospital improperly sent patients to California and other states. Sacramento Bee.
CalPERS Committee Delays Decision Over Changes to Rating Regions
A CalPERS committee has delayed for one month a decision over how to shift counties within the Sacramento and Bay Area rating regions to more accurately reflect geographic discrepancies in health care costs. A pension fund official says that moving some counties could result in a 3% premium increase. Sacramento Business Journal.
Children at Increased Risk of Negative Health Effects From Exposure to Thirdhand Smoke, Study Finds
A new study funded by the University of California’s Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program finds that smoke residue on carpeting and furniture, known as thirdhand smoke, could damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. The researchers say the smoke — which can last for several months in households and cars — poses a particular concern to children who are more likely to touch surfaces and put items in their mouth. Sacramento Bee.
Blue Shield Forms 3-Year ACO With Dignity Health, Doctor Group in San Joaquin County
Blue Shield of California has joined Hill Physicians Medical Group and Dignity Health to form an accountable care organization in San Joaquin County. The three-year ACO will serve about 14,600 Blue Shield policyholders in the area, including more than 10,000 enrolled in CalPERS. Sacramento Business Journal.
28 State Attorneys General Urge Five Big Retailers To Stop Selling Tobacco Products
On Sunday, 28 attorneys general sent letters to Kroger, Rite Aid, Safeway, Walgreen and Walmart urging them to stop selling tobacco in stores that also have pharmacies. The request follows CVS Caremark’s decision in February to stop selling such products this year. New York Times.
More than 100 independent primary care and specialist doctors in East Ventura County have joined together to form a network called Choice Health Associates. The group was created in response to large health systems expanding and buying out smaller practices. Ventura County Star.
L.A. Telemedicine Program Aims To Provide Mental Health Services to Low-Income, Minority Populations
The Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing has launched a telemedicine mental health pilot program aimed at low-income, minority populations. The program has been introduced at three Los Angeles-area sites that offer services to African-Americans, Filipino veterans and low-income retirees. HealthyCal.
CalPERS Committee To Consider Changing Premium Rating Regions
Today, the CalPERS Pension Health Benefits Committee is expected to vote on three proposals that could adjust its regional rating system and cause changes in health care premiums for some CalPERS members. CalPERS proposed the changes to better reflect geographic variances in health care costs. Sacramento Business Journal.