Latest California Healthline Stories
Senate Committee Hearings Review Assisted-Living Center Problems
During hearings yesterday, witnesses told lawmakers on several California legislative committees that the penalties for assisted living facilities that violate state law are not harsh enough and offer no real incentive to comply with the rules. U-T San Diego.
Most Uninsured Latinos Are Eligible for ACA Coverage, HHS Says
A new HHS report finds that about 10.2 million of the estimated 41.3 million uninsured U.S. residents who are eligible for coverage under the Affordable Care Act are Latino. It also finds that 62% of Latinos who would be eligible for insurance exchange coverage live in California, Florida and Texas. Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules” et al.
Union Says It’s on Track To Qualify Ballot Initiatives on Hospital Costs
Yesterday, the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West held a press conference to tout its efforts to qualify two initiatives targeting high hospital costs and executive salaries. Union officials said they are on track to gain enough support to qualify the measures for the state ballot. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area Biz Talk” et al.
AMA Throws Support Behind Bipartisan Bill To Repeal, Replace SGR
Yesterday, American Medical Association President Ardis Dee Hoven said her organization supports a new bipartisan proposal to repeal and replace Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula. The American College of Physicians and the American College of Surgeons also have expressed support for the deal. Modern Healthcare.
JAMA Study Examines States’ Legislative Action on Immunization Mandate Exemptions
Eighteen states — including California — recently have considered immunization mandate exemptions, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The researchers found that 36 state bills on immunization exemptions were introduced from 2009 through 2012. Five of the bills — including three that were approved — restricted exemptions, while 31 of the bills — none of which passed — expanded exemptions. Los Angeles Times‘ “Science Now.”
Sacramento-Based Insurer Reportedly Launches First Coverage Plan for Medical Marijuana Industry
Last month, Sacramento-based MMD Insurance Services launched what it says is the first insurance plan for growers and dispensaries in the medical marijuana industry. The coverage includes compensation for losses by natural disaster or federal raids. Sacramento Business Journal.
Survey Finds That 70% of Health Care Providers Are Unsatisfied With Their EHR System
Seventy percent of health care providers do not think their electronic health record investment has been worth the effort, resources and costs, according to a national survey by MPI Group and Medical Economics. In addition, 65% of providers said that implementation of an EHR system led to financial losses, and 45% of respondents said their EHR system had led to declines in the quality of patient care. EHR Intelligence.
National City Starts Wellness Program for City Workers
National City’s Wellness Committee has implemented a program to offer city employees support on exercise, stress, pain and weight management .The program includes onsite health education classes and a $25,000 City Hall gym renovation. U-T San Diego.
Many Immigrants in S.F. Enroll in Chinese Community Health Plan Coverage Through Covered California
Chinese Community Health Plan — run by Chinese Hospital in San Francisco — has successfully signed up many young, uninsured Chinese immigrants for health coverage through Covered California. The insurer focuses on being culturally sensitive to Chinese immigrants and already had surpassed its enrollment goal for the entire year by the end of January. NPR/Kaiser Health News.
Debate Continues Over Calif. Law To Expand Role of Pharmacists
A new California law that expands pharmacists’ scope of practice has garnered national attention. Pharmacists say the law will improve residents’ access to care, but some lawyers and physician groups warn that the measure could negatively affect patient safety and has implications for medical malpractice. HealthyCal, Kaiser Health News.