Latest California Healthline Stories
Some Calif. Counties Struggling To Process Medi-Cal Applications
Some California counties are falling behind as they work to process an influx of Medi-Cal applications after the state expanded the program under the Affordable Care Act. For example, Sonoma County has a backlog of 9,000 applications despite hiring an additional 75 call center employees and expanding its service center. HealthyCal.
55% of Uninsured Residents Plan To Purchase Coverage, Poll Finds
A new Gallup poll finds that 55% of uninsured U.S. residents said they plan on purchasing health insurance in 2014 rather than paying a fine under the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate. A separate report finds that a majority of those who face a penalty for not purchasing coverage will pay more than the $95 minimum. United Press International et al.
15% of Exchange Enrollees Have Not Paid First Month’s Premium
Four major health insurance companies participating in Covered California say that about 15% of California residents who enrolled in health plans as of Jan. 31 have not yet paid their first month’s premium. Observers say some consumers could have decided to pay the penalty for lacking coverage instead of paying for insurance. San Jose Mercury News.
OIG Report Prompts New Nursing Home Rules, Inspection Techniques
The Obama administration is working to create new rules under the Affordable Care Act to improve nursing home care and bolster investigations. The move comes after a recent report from HHS’ Office of Inspector General found that about one-third of nursing home residents suffer harm because of substandard care. Washington Post.
California’s Flu-Related Death Toll Rises to 318
As of Feb. 28, 318 California residents under age 65 had died after contracting influenza, more than seven times the number of flu-related deaths at this time last year, according to state health officials. Although the number of flu-related deaths in the state continues to rise, officials say such deaths nationwide have declined for four straight weeks, suggesting the flu season is coming to an end. KPCC’s “KPCC News,” Sacramento Bee‘s “Healthy Choices.”
State Sen. Lou Correa has introduced a bill that would increase state regulation of the medical marijuana industry, including farmers who grow the drug, retail shops that sell it and physicians who prescribe it. The bill is supported by the California Police Chiefs Association and the League of California Cities. Lynne Lyman, California director for the Drug Policy Alliance, said medical marijuana advocates would prefer regulations that do not include restrictions on doctors, but they are open to a compromise. AP/Modern Healthcare.
In a letter to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner and National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo, 24 California lawmakers expressed support for using Stage 3 of the meaningful use program to reduce health disparities. The letter recommends that CMS develops more comprehensive and inclusive data collection standards and ensures that patients can access their health data on smartphone devices. Government Health IT, Clinical Innovation & Technology.
Cost of Health, Dental Benefits for California Retirees Increased by $730M Last Year
The cost of providing health and dental benefits to future and current California retirees — called unfunded liability — rose by $730 million from 2012 to 2013, to a current total of $64 billion. However, the total is less than previously expected because of low inflation and fewer health care claims. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News,” Sacramento Business Journal.
Infant Free of HIV After Treatment at Long Beach Hospital
During an AIDS conference on Wednesday, experts said an infant with HIV who was treated with aggressive antiretroviral drug therapy at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach appears to no longer have the disease. The therapy was started four hours after birth, and after six days the virus no longer was detected. Los Angeles Times‘ “Science Now.”
Covered California Releases Regional Enrollment Information
Regional data released this week show that as of the end of January nearly 200,000 Los Angeles County residents had enrolled in health plans through Covered California, surpassing enrollment in more than 40 states. The data also show that more than 160,000 consumers in the San Francisco Bay Area had enrolled in plans through the exchange. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.” et al.