Latest California Healthline Stories
Congress Approves Bill To Bolster NIH Pediatric Research Funding
The Senate and House have advanced a GOP-sponsored bill that would shift $126 million in federal funds designated for political party conventions to federal pediatric research at NIH. The bill — which President Obama is expected to sign — would allocate the funds for research into various pediatric cancers and childhood diseases, such as autism and Down’s syndrome. Washington Post et al.
DEA Launches Investigation Over Missing Rx Pills at Calif. CVS Stores
Federal officials are investigating the disappearance of about 37,000 hydrocodone tablets from four CVS locations in Dixon, Fairfield, Modesto and Turlock. CVS faces more than 2,900 potential violations of the law and a fine of up to $29 million. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News” et al.
Covered California Enrollment Declined in Late February
About 40,000 California residents enrolled in health plans through Covered California during the second half of February, well below the number of enrollments during the first half of the month. Officials say the decrease likely was caused by a five-day outage of the exchange’s enrollment portal. KPCC’s “KPCC News” et al.
CalPERS To Inform Beneficiaries About Upcoming Rate Hikes
Individuals with long-term care insurance policies through CalPERS have until May 9 to decide whether to pay significant rate hikes for the plans or switch to less-inclusive options. Next month, CalPERS will send letters to about 41,000 policyholders informing them of their options. Sacramento Business Journal.
UC-San Francisco Researchers Say Polio-Like Illness Likely Caused by a Virus or Autoimmune Disease
UC-San Francisco researchers say a disease causing paralysis in several California children is not caused by polio but likely stems from the enterovirus-68 virus or an autoimmune disorder. Next month, the researchers will present a report on the illness during an American Academy of Neurology meeting. HealthyCal.
L.A. Officials Balk at Black Infant Health Program Changes
Los Angeles County officials say that changes implemented by the state to the Black Infant Health Program are not based on evidence and will reduce the number of women who have access to the program’s services. More than one-third of black infants in the state are born in Los Angeles County. The county is required to adopt the new changes by July 1 or lose $1.1 million in federal funding for the program. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
With fewer than three weeks left in the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges, the Obama administration is reaching out women, with a focus on mothers and small-business owners. During the weeklong “Mom Knows Best” campaign, President Obama will be interviewed by WebMD, first lady Michelle Obama will meet with volunteers and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will participate in a Women’s Health Center media conference. Washington Post‘s “Post Politics,” The Hill‘s “Blog Briefing Room.”
Mark Dressner, president of the California Academy of Family Physicians, in a recent opinion piece argues that legislation sponsored by the group to create a Graduate Medical Education Fund would increase the number of practicing physicians in the state in an attempt to address a growing doctor shortage. Meanwhile, Dressner writes that other bills supported by CAFP would improve Medi-Cal beneficiaries’ access to health care providers. Long Beach Press Telegram.
On Monday, a group of California medical experts voted that a new hepatitis C drug made by Gilead Sciences that costs $1,000 per pill is of “low value” compared with older, less expensive medications to treat the virus. The decision was included in a larger review by the California Technology Assessment Forum of new hepatitis C drugs. AP/Bradenton Herald.
CMS Backs Off on Some Proposed Changes to Medicare Part D
CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner says the agency will not finalize several proposed rule changes to the Medicare prescription drug benefit program following widespread criticism. However, Tavenner says CMS still will finalize some proposals, including efforts to bolster consumer protections and antifraud provisions. New York Times et al.