Latest California Healthline Stories
ACA Could Cut Number of Full-Time Workers by 2.5M, Analysis Says
There will be 2.5 million fewer full-time workers over the next decade because the Affordable Care provides incentives for people to choose to work fewer hours and could encourage employers to reduce workers’ hours to avoid having to comply with the law’s employer mandate, according to the Congressional Budget Office. New York Times et al.
CBO Cuts Projection for 2014 Exchange Enrollment by 1M
The Congressional Budget Office has reduced to six million its estimate of the number of individuals who will enroll in health coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges this year. CBO cited the troubled rollout of the federal health insurance exchange website last fall for the reduction. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” CQ Roll Call.
Health Care Lobbying Spending in Calif. Increased by 10% in 2013
According to reports filed with the Secretary of State, spending on health care lobbying in California totaled about $37.7 million in 2013, an increase of more than 10% from 2012. The uptick in spending could be in response to Affordable Care Act implementation and the launch of Covered California. Sacramento Business Journal.
Calif. Reps Introduce Bill To Tie ACA Subsidies to Cost of Living
California Reps. Anna Eshoo and Mike Thompson have introduced a bill in the House that would allow individuals with higher incomes who live in areas with greater costs of living to access federal tax credits under the Affordable Care Act. However, observers say the bill is not likely to pass in the Republican-controlled House. Contra Costa Times.
State Sen. Lieu, Reproductive-Rights Advocate Sandra Fluke Vie for Waxman’s House Seat
On Friday, State Sen. Ted Lieu announced plans to run for the U.S. House seat of Rep. Henry Waxman, who recently announced he will retire. Reproductive-rights activist Sandra Fluke also is vying for the seat. Washington Times‘ “Inside Politics” et al.
Santa Clara County Cuts Funding From San Jose Fire Department Over Slow 911 Response Times
On Tuesday, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to cut funding from the San Jose Fire Department over its slow 911 medical response times. In the first half of 2013, the fire department responded to medical emergencies within 8 minutes 88% of the time, while the rest of the county’s fire departments met the response time target an average of 97% of the time. The city could get the funding back if it meets a 90% response target for three straight months and submits an improvement plan. San Jose Mercury News.
On Monday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the enforcement of a state law prohibiting sexual orientation conversion treatment for minors in order to give opponents 90 days to file an appeal over the legislation with the U.S. Supreme Court. The 9th Circuit Court in January refused to hear any additional challenges to the law. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea Rates on the Rise in San Diego
From 2011 to 2012, San Diego County’s rate of chlamydia rose by 7.6% and rate of gonorrhea rose by 20% — increasing faster than national sexually transmitted infection rates, according to CDC data. In response, the county has launched outreach programs to slow the spread of STIs, including an initiative that offers free chlamydia and gonorrhea home test kits to women ages 25 and younger. U-T San Diego.
White House Official: Improving Care Delivery Models Leads 2014 Health Care Agenda
At a health policy conference Monday, White House Office of Health Reform Director Jeanne Lambrew said the Obama administration in 2014 aims to focus and improve on several specific areas of the Affordable Care Act, such as accountable care organizations and other care delivery models. Some areas of focus might include improving communication between payers and providers and advancing bundled payment models. MedPage Today‘s “The Gupta Guide.”
Denti-Cal Benefits Being Restored, but Might Be Inadequate, Too Late
Medi-Cal will partially restore dental benefits to three million low-income California residents on May 1, but observers say that some patients already had to forego proper dental care after the benefits were cut. Meanwhile, a California Dental Association official has raised concerns that coverage for gum treatment and partial dentures is not being restored. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”