Latest California Healthline Stories
Insurance Exchange Enrollment Reaches 3.3M, HHS Data Show
New enrollment data show 1.1 million U.S. residents enrolled in coverage through the federal and state insurance exchanges in January, marking the first month that enrollment surpassed federal expectations. California — which leads all states in enrollment — is at 90% of its target, with 728,086 residents signed up. Reuters et al.
CHA Mounts Challenge to Proposed Hospital-Related Ballot Initiatives
The California Hospital Association says that two ballot measures proposed by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West are an attempt to pressure hospitals into signing neutrality agreements for union organizing. CHA plans to fight the initiatives. Modern Healthcare, Buzzfeed.
Poll: Calif. Kids’ Unhealthy Eating, Inactivity Are Top Health Concerns
A new Field Poll finds that 59% of California voters believe unhealthy eating habits and a lack of physical activity are the top two health concerns for youth in the state, up from 53% who believed that a decade ago. Meanwhile, 16% of voters were concerned about alcohol misuse among children and adolescents and 11% were concerned about children smoking. San Jose Mercury News.
Uninsured Rate Drops to Five-Year Low of 16%, Gallup Poll Finds
A new Gallup poll finds that the percentage of U.S. residents without insurance has dropped to 16%, the lowest rate since 2009. The uninsured rate among young adults fell the most rapidly. Gallup notes that it is not yet clear whether the Affordable Care Act is responsible for the declines. Washington Post‘s “Wonkblog.”
UCSF Medical School Received Most NIH Funding of Any Public University in 2013
UC-San Francisco School of Medicine received the most NIH funds in 2013 — $439.6 million — of any public university, according to a release from the school. Overall, UCSF obtained $517 million in funding from NIH last year. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area BizTalk.”
Alameda County Board of Supervisors Seeks To Extend Safety-Net Sales Tax
On Tuesday, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted to place on the June ballot a measure that would extend until 2034 a half-cent sales tax to fund the county’s health care safety net. The board will vote a second time next week to formally place Measure A on the June 3 primary ballot. Contra Costa Times.
Medicare Wrongly Paid $11.7M in Rx Benefits for Inmates
Medicare improperly paid $11.7 million for inmates’ prescription drugs from 2006 to 2010, according to an HHS Office of Inspector General report. Medicare Part D provides prescription drug benefits, but convicted felons are ineligible for such benefits, while they are incarcerated. According to the HHS OIG report, Medicare wrongfully reimbursed medical companies for providing prescription drugs to prisoners because CMS lacked the necessary safeguards to screen out inmates. Washington Times.
A San Jose Mercury News editorial argues that “California probably didn’t deserve what amounts to a political victory” for Gov. Brown when a panel of judges earlier this week granted the state an additional two years to comply with a court-ordered cap on the state prison population. However, the extension gives officials “plenty of time to impose real reforms that ensure the state meets the minimum requirements for the health and safety of its prisoners,” the editorial adds. San Jose Mercury News.
Negative Sentiments on Social Media Could Affect ACA Enrollment, Experts Say
Experts say the use of social media to support or criticize the Affordable Care Act could affect health insurance enrollment this year. NetBase Solutions, a social media analytics firm, found that negative words or terms — such as “disaster,” “hate,” “blame,” “not want” and “not like” — were used 60% more often than positive words or terms — such as “good,” “love,” “great,” “best” and “like” — when discussing the ACA on social media outlets over the past year. Politico.
Rural Calif. Counties Designating Local Hospitals for Trauma Care
Rural California counties that traditionally have lacked access to trauma centers are negotiating with local hospitals to deliver trauma care. For instance, San Luis Obispo officials chose Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center to offer level-three trauma care and Monterey County has begun negotiations with Natividad Medical Center to offer level-two trauma care. HealthyCal.