Latest California Healthline Stories
HHS Unveils Final Rule To Give Patients Direct Access to Lab Results
HHS has released a final rule that amends the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act and gives patients direct access to their laboratory results. HHS and consumer groups say the new rule will empower patients, but some physician groups warn that direct access to lab results could lead to confusion. Washington Post et al.
Calif. Youth Mental Health Hospitalizations Rose by 38%
A new analysis of state data finds that the number of hospitalizations of Californians ages 21 and younger for issues related to mental health rose from 34,000 in 2007 to 47,000 in 2012. In addition, recurring admissions related to mental health issues among that age group increased by 27%. Sacramento Bee.
Federal Gov’t Working To Address HealthCare.gov Appeals Issues
Yesterday, the Obama administration said it will hold a series of hearings to address enrollment issues related to HealthCare.gov. Meanwhile, CMS plans to create a manual appeals process to use while the permanent automated system is being built. Reuters et al.
Study: Exposure to Thirdhand Smoke Carries ‘Significant’ Health Risks
A UC-Riverside study finds that exposure to thirdhand smoke can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Type 2 diabetes and heightened lipid levels, among other health problems. Thirdhand smoke is caused by secondhand smoke settling on objects, such as furniture or clothing. CBS Atlanta et al.
Calif. Union Launches Radio Ads in Support of Ballot Measures Aimed at Addressing Hospital Costs
On Monday, the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West launched a series of radio advertisements designed to attract support for two ballot initiatives aimed at addressing high hospital costs and executive salaries. The first ballot measure, called the Fair Health Care Pricing Act of 2014, would prohibit hospitals from charging more than 25% higher than the cost of providing care. The second measure, called the Charitable Hospital Executive Compensation Act of 2014, would cap not-for-profit hospital executives’ annual compensation at $450,000. Sacramento Bee.
Assembly member Roger Hernández has introduced a bill that would create a public website to track the cost of medical procedures across California so that consumers can compare prices. State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said he supports making health care pricing more transparent, but he added that the bill could face legal challenges. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Appeals Court Rules That Calif. Employees Can Use Sick Leave To Care for Ailing Relatives, Spouses
A California appeals court has ruled that employees in the state can use up to half of their paid sick leave to care for a relative, spouse or domestic partner who is ill. The court rejected an argument by United Airlines that the company’s federally regulated benefits plan overrides state laws. San Francisco Chronicle.
S.F. Officials Announce Plan To Levy Two-Cent Soda Tax
On Saturday, four San Francisco officials announced plans to introduce legislation that would levy a two-cent tax on soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks. Money from the tax would be used for public water fountains, healthy food services, dental health programs and recreation and nutrition programs. The city’s Board of Supervisors must approve the measure to place it on the November ballot. AP/U-T San Diego et al.
Rule Change To Ensure Coverage for Out-of-Network Providers in Exchange Plans Could Be Extended
On Friday, President Obama said his administration is considering extending a rule change that would ensure patients could continue seeing specialists, even if the physicians are not part of an exchange plan’s network. A White House official said one option is to make insurers’ ability to market plans on the exchanges contingent on whether consumers can keep their current providers and the accuracy of insurers’ provider listings. Wall Street Journal, Washington Times.
One-Fourth of Covered California Enrollees Live in L.A. County
According to regional data released Friday by Covered California, more than 130,000 Los Angeles County residents by the end of 2013 had enrolled in health plans through the state health insurance exchange — accounting for more than one-fourth of statewide enrollment. Malibu Patch et al.