Latest California Healthline Stories
1.1M to 1.8M Enrolled in Medicaid Because of ACA, Study Finds
An Avalere Health study finds that 1.1 million to 1.8 million people enrolled in Medicaid from October 2013 to December 2013 because of the Affordable Care Act. The figures include those who were newly eligible for Medicaid under the ACA and those who already had been eligible but enrolled because of increased publicity. Washington Post, National Journal.
Medi-Cal Expansion Will Boost Transgender Health Services
The expansion of Medi-Cal under the Affordable Care Act could boost transgender patients’ access to health care services, including sex reassignment surgery and hormone therapy. The California Supreme Court deemed such services “medically necessary” in 2001, but observers say providers were reluctant to offer them because of low reimbursement rates. KQED’s “State of Health.”
Brown Urges CalPERS To Include Life Spans in Contribution Rates
In a letter to the California Public Employees Retirement System on Wednesday, Gov. Brown encouraged the pension fund to change contribution rates to account for retirees’ longer life expectancies, instead of adhering to the CalPERS’ staff recommendation to wait until fiscal year 2016-2017 to do so. AP/Sacramento Bee.
House Panel OKs Bill To Increase ACA’s Hourly Work Week Standard
The House Ways and Means Committee approved legislation to change the Affordable Care Act’s definition of a full-time work week from 30 hours to 40 hours. Critics of the 30-hour threshold say it could encourage employers to cut workers’ hours to avoid providing health coverage. Washington Times‘ “Inside Politics,” CQ Roll Call.
Medi-Cal Eligible Individuals Who Want Private Insurance Do Not Qualify for Federal Subsidies
Some California residents who qualify for Medi-Cal would prefer to purchase private health insurance with a federal subsidy because of confusion over the program or embarrassment over being categorized as low income, observers say. However, individuals who qualify for Medi-Cal are not eligible for subsidies. Los Angeles Times.
The California Supreme Court has unanimously agreed to hear an appeal by the Center for Investigative Reporting over whether state health officials should be required to release complete records of patient rights violations by employees who work at facilities for patients with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. An appellate court already granted the partial release of such records, but CIR is seeking more disclosure. San Francisco Chronicle.
Ventura Nursing Homes Settles Lawsuit Over Administering Antipsychotic Drugs Without Consent
Ventura Convalescent Hospital has agreed to pay $730,000 to settle a lawsuit filed more than two years ago over the use of antipsychotic drugs on residents without obtaining their consent or the consent of their families. However, an attorney for the nursing home said the settlement did not include an admission of wrongdoing. Ventura County Star.
A Contra Costa Times editorial argues that a permanent increase in property taxes proposed by the West Contra Costa Healthcare District “isn’t the solution — not at this price. It’s throwing good money after bad.” The increase was proposed to raise funds to ensure Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo is able to remain open. Contra Costa Times.
CVS To Stop Selling Tobacco Products in All Stores
On Wednesday, CVS Caremark announced that it will stop selling tobacco products in its more than 7,600 of its retail stores this year, the first major pharmacy retail chain to make such a decision. The policy will go into effect by Oct. 1. Reuters et al.
Hospitals in California Use Data Mapping To Identify ‘Super-Users’
Several California hospitals, including Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and San Francisco General Hospital, have implemented initiatives to better care for hospital “super-users.” Such initiatives involve using data mapping to better target the needs of such individuals in order to decrease costs and increase care quality. San Francisco Chronicle.