Latest California Healthline Stories
Study Says Calif. West Nile Virus Cases To Increase
The number of West Nile virus cases likely will increase in California, which had nearly 500 cases in 2012, as previously cooler areas become warm because of climate change, according to Ryan Harrigan, lead author of a UCLA study published in the journal Global Change Biology. Specifically, Harrigan said 72% of California areas are expected to “increase in probability of West Nile presence by the year 2080.” KPPC’s “KPCC News.”
L.A. Board of Supervisors Earmarks Funding for Homeless Program Aimed at Reducing Health Care Costs
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has earmarked $14 million over four years to be used for a new public-private program aimed at providing housing to about 2,400 homeless individuals. The program is part of the county Department of Health Services’ efforts to cut health care costs. Payers & Providers.
White House, Groups Prepare for Final ACA Enrollment ‘Surge’
The Obama administration and advocacy groups are ramping up for an expected increase in activity in the final month of the Affordable Care Act’s initial open enrollment period. However, recent polls show that a majority of uninsured individuals eligible for coverage still are unaware of how to enroll or that the open enrollment deadline is nearing. Modern Healthcare et al.
House Set To Vote on Legislation To Delay Individual Mandate Penalty
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor says the House this week will vote on legislation that would delay until 2015 the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate penalties. The bill comes in response to the Obama administration’s decision to delay a penalty that businesses of a certain size would have faced under law’s employer mandate. The Hill‘s “Floor Action” et al.
Nearly 15K Residents Must Resubmit Data to Covered Calif.
Because of software glitches that occurred in February, about 14,500 consumers who partially completed or updated an application through Covered California between Feb. 17 and Feb. 19 will have to re-enter that information by March 15 in order to be covered on April 1. Los Angeles Times et al.
Report: LGBT Individuals in Inland Empire Have More Chronic Illnesses
A new Riverside County reports finds that compared with the general population, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have higher rates of asthma, cancer and other health issues. In addition, LGBT residents have higher rates of smoking and eating disorders. Riverside Press-Enterprise, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Health & Wellness Profile.
California Health Care Personnel News Roundup for February 2014
Howard Kahn announced that he will step down as CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan in January 2015. Kimberly Kirchmeyer was appointed executive director of the Medical Board of California, where she has served as interim director since June 2013. John Bertko was named chief actuary and director of research for Covered California, the state’s health exchange.
UC, Union Officials Reach Contract Deal To Avert Strike
Last week, the University of California and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees reached a tentative agreement on a four-year contract for 8,300 service workers averting a potential five-day strike affecting UC’s 10 campuses and five medical centers. The proposed agreement includes annual 3% raises through 2016, a proposal to ensure safe staffing levels and a requirement that employees contribute 9% of their pay to pension and retirement health care benefits programs. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
California’s Flu-Related Death Toll Reaches 302
On Friday, state health department officials announced that as of Feb. 21 302 state residents — including six children and one pregnant woman — have died after contracting influenza. The number of flu-related deaths is significantly higher than last year’s flu season when a total of 106 individuals died from flu-related illnesses. KPCC’s “KPCC News,” Sacramento Business Journal.
Residents in States With Troubled Exchanges Can Still Get Subsidies
Yesterday, HHS announced that residents who purchased coverage outside of the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges because of technical problems still will be able to receive federal subsidies. Meanwhile, CMS says it is continuing work to resolve several lingering issues with HealthCare.gov. AP/Sacramento Bee et al.