Latest California Healthline Stories
White House Announces New Delays, Changes to ACA
Yesterday, the Obama administration announced several new delays and changes to the Affordable Care Act, including a two-year extension of an administrative fix allowing consumers to keep health plans that do not comply with the ACA’s minimum coverage standards. Washington Post et al.
State Sen. Gaines Sues Covered Calif. Over Canceled Health Plans
State Sen. Ted Gaines — who is running for state insurance commissioner — this week filed a lawsuit challenging the state health insurance exchange’s decision not to allow insurers to continue selling plans that do not meet requirements under the Affordable Care Act, even after President Obama announced a proposal allowing states to do so. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
Low Medi-Cal, Insurance Payments Hamper Access to Specialists
Access to specialty care in California likely will become more difficult as more residents gain coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Observers say low reimbursements from health plans offered through Covered California and a cut to Medi-Cal reimbursements are hindering access to specialists. Los Angeles Daily News.
HHS: Medicare Patients Experience Safety Issues at Nursing Homes
A report by HHS’ Office of Inspector General finds that about 22% of Medicare beneficiaries admitted to nursing homes experienced preventable injuries in August 2011. The report offers recommendations to CMS and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to increase safety and prevent patient harm at nursing homes. Modern Healthcare.
Childhood Obesity Risk Among Native Americans Declines for Every Slot Machine Installed, Study Finds
A study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that the risk of childhood obesity among Native American children decreases by 0.19% for every slot machine installed at nearby casinos. The study is based on gym class fitness records from 117 California school districts that on tribal lands. Los Angeles Times‘ “Science Now.”
Adventist, Blue Shield Partner To Offer Telehealth Services
Adventist Health and Blue Shield of California have partnered to offer telehealth services to about 19,000 Blue Shield policyholders, mostly located in rural areas of the state. The initiative will give policyholders access to specialty services including cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology and general surgery. Payers & Providers.
Arkansas House Passes Measure To Extend Funding for Alternative Medicaid Expansion Plan
On Tuesday, the Arkansas House approved a budget measure that would maintain funding for the state’s alternative Medicaid expansion plan. Gov. Mike Beebe is expected to sign the measure. The House previously had failed to secure the 75 votes needed to approve the measure in four separate votes last month. AP/Washington Post.
17 Calif. Lawmakers Support SEIU Ballot Measures Aimed at High Hospital Costs, Executive Salaries
Seventeen Democratic state lawmakers in California have endorsed ballot measures being proposed by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West that aim to address high hospital costs and executive salaries. SEIU-UHW said it expects by mid-April to obtain the necessary signatures to qualify the measures. Capital Public Radio/Kaiser Health News.
California’s Contribution to State Workers’ Benefits, Salaries Increased by 40% Over Past 20 Years
A nonpartisan report released Tuesday found that California’s share of pension and health benefits for state workers has increased by 40% over the past two decades. According to the report, workers’ salaries and benefits next year will cost the state government an average $100,000 per worker. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
Obama’s FY 2015 Budget Proposal Calls for Increased HHS Funding
Yesterday, President Obama released his fiscal year 2015 budget proposal, which would boost HHS spending to more than $1 trillion for the first time. The proposal, which Congress is not expected to adopt, also increases funding for FDA, NIH and other health programs. AP/U-T San Diego et al.