Latest California Healthline Stories
High Enrollment Expected To Offset Covered Calif.’s Projected Deficit
Officials say that high enrollment likely will ensure that Covered California will be able to cover its operating expenses in future years. However, the exchange is setting aside $184 million in federal grant money as a reserve, and a contingency plan could allow the exchange to use the taxpayer-support general fund. AP/KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Obama Administration Announces More Flexibility With ACA Coverage
A CMS memo sent to insurers last week says the federal government will allow consumers who purchased health plans through HealthCare.gov to select a new plan of the same coverage level before March 31 if their plan’s network does not include their physicians. It also details various circumstances in which consumers could qualify for an extended enrollment period in the exchanges. Washington Post, CQ HealthBeat.
Covered Calif. Removes Provider Directory To Fix Inaccuracies
A list of doctors and hospitals affiliated with health plans offered through Covered California has been taken offline for the second time after consumers reported inaccuracies. Policyholders whose coverage began Jan. 1 said some physicians would not accept their insurance even though the directory had listed them as part of the network. AP/Modern Healthcare et al.
California Flu-Related Death Toll Reaches 202, Health Officials Report
California public health officials last week announced that there have been 202 influenza-related deaths among residents under the age of 65 and that another 41 deaths are being investigated for possible links to the flu. Meanwhile, the state reported its first whooping cough-related death since 2010. Sacramento Bee‘s “Healthy Choices” et al.
San Jose Mayor Sues Calif. AG Over Description of Proposed Pension Ballot Initiative
Last week, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and four other local government officials filed a lawsuit over state Attorney General Kamala Harris’ description of a proposed ballot measure to grant cities greater authority to change pension and retirement benefits for public workers. They allege that the summary “uses false and misleading words and phrases which argue for the measure’s defeat, is argumentative and creates prejudice against the measure, rather than merely informing voters of its chief purposes and points.” Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
S.F. Mayor Proposes Program To Offer Community-Based Mental Health Care to Homeless Population
In his recent State of the City address, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said he wants to create a “community-based mental health program” based on Laura’s Law, a state law that allows courts to require treatment for residents with severe mental health conditions. The program would be aimed at helping the city’s homeless population. San Francisco Chronicle.
N.H. Senate Leaders Reach Deal To Expand Medicaid
On Thursday, Senate Democratic and Republican leaders in New Hampshire announced that they had reached a tentative deal to extend health insurance coverage to about 50,000 adult residents under the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. Senate President Chuck Morse said the agreement automatically will end when federal funding falls below 100%, unless the Legislature votes to extend it. New Hampshire Union Leader, AP/Seacoast Online.
Campaigns To Promote HIV Awareness, Testing Taking Place in Several California Cities
Campaigns to raise awareness of HIV and promote testing for the disease are underway in cities across California. For example, CDC has launched one campaign to promote HIV testing in Oakland and five other U.S. cities. In addition, the San Francisco Health Department is preparing to launch its “Speak Out” HIV awareness campaign in the past year. HealthyCal.
State Awards Yolo County $1.7M for Mental Health Care
California has awarded a $1.7 million grant for mental health services to the Yolo County Department of Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health. The funding will be used to provide clinical staff to accompany law enforcement during crises and peer counselors to provide support after a crisis. Sacramento Business Journal.
Administrative Fix for Canceled Health Plans Might Be Extended
Some health industry experts and federal officials say the Obama administration is considering extending for up to three years an administrative policy that allows U.S. residents to keep their health plans even if they do not meet minimum coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act. AP/ABC News.