Latest California Healthline Stories
Thousands of Former LIHP Members Might Fall Into Coverage Gap
About 24,000 California residents who were covered by the Low Income Health Program do not qualify for Medi-Cal and many are unaware of how to enroll in coverage on Covered California. In addition, some such individuals could find that coverage through the exchange is too expensive, even with federal subsidies. HealthyCal.
Kaiser, UCSF Team Up To Provide Genetic Data to NIH Database
Kaiser Permanente and UC-San Francisco have spent $24.9 million to make genetic data on 78,000 individuals available to an NIH database. Officials say the data could accelerate research for a variety of health conditions, especially those related to aging. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area BizTalk,” NIH release.
eHealth Report Finds Younger ACA Customers, Lower Premiums
Monthly premiums for health plans purchased through online insurance broker eHealthInsurance.com have dropped by nearly $100 since the beginning of open enrollment in the health insurance exchanges. The report said the decrease could have been driven by younger individuals signing up for coverage. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.,” eHealth release.
Coronary Bypass Mortality Rate Remains Steady at Calif. Hospitals
A report by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development finds that the statewide mortality rate for coronary artery bypass graft surgeries remained at about 2% from 2009 to 2011. The report also finds that the number of CABGs performed annually is declining, in part because of the development of less-invasive treatment options. Payers & Providers.
Bill Proposed To Set Standards for Surgical Technologists
Yesterday, state Sen. Roger Hernandez introduced a bill that would create baseline education and certification standards for surgical technologists. Under the measure, health facilities would be barred from employing or contracting with a surgical technologist who lacks specific training and certification, unless the technologist was employed before Jan. 1, 2013, or the facility documents an inability to recruit workers that meet the requirements. Sacramento Business Journal.
Up To 25 Calif. Children Have Contracted Polio-Like Illness
Up to 25 children in California have been affected by an unknown illness with similar symptoms to polio, such as paralysis of one or more limbs. In addition, doctors in the state who are investigating the illness have been “flooded” with calls about other possible cases. Washington Post‘s “Post Nation,” USA Today.
Los Angeles County supervisors have approved a contract with Service Employees International Union Local 721 that includes a 7.2% increase in the county’s contribution toward employee health insurance. The approval comes after thousands of county social workers went on strike in December 2013. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Fremont Temporarily Restricts Sale of E-Cigarettes
The Fremont City Council has imposed a 45-day ban on bars and retailers offering smokeless nicotine devices, such as e-cigarettes, but existing retailers will be allowed to remain in business. Owners of such businesses maintain that the smokeless devices can help consumers quit smoking cigarettes. The Argus/Contra Costa Times.
S.D. Warns More Than 400 About Possible Measles Exposure
San Diego County has issued warnings to more than 400 individuals who might have been exposed to measles when an infected patient visited two military health facilities earlier this month. Eric McDonald, the county’s deputy public health officer, said several of the individuals contacted had not received the measles vaccine and were advised to remain isolated in their homes for seven to 21 days — the incubation period for the illness. U-T San Diego.
President Obama Says Insurance Exchange Enrollment Hit 4M
During an Organizing for America event, President Obama encouraged advocates to continue efforts to sign up more people in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges. Exchange enrollment has grown by about 700,000 people since the end of January. AP/ABC News.