Latest California Healthline Stories
State Plans New Prison Facilities To Help Ease Inmate Overcrowding
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation plans to build three new prison facilities in an effort to alleviate prison overcrowding. CDCR Secretary Jeffrey Beard says the new facilities will be accessible for inmates with disabilities and those with intermediate medical or mental health issues. U-T San Diego, CDCR release.
Brown’s Budget Proposal Would Allocate $670M to Medi-Cal
A budget proposal by Gov. Brown would boost funding for certain Medi-Cal services and the state’s In-Home Supportive Services. In addition, Brown’s proposal would relieve California health care providers participating in Medi-Cal of having to repay the state for a 10% reimbursement rate cut that is retroactive to 2011. Los Angeles Times et al.
Report Says One-Third of Mass. Health Spending in 2012 Was Wasteful
A Massachusetts Health Policy Commission report finds that between 21% and 39% of the state’s total health care expenditures in 2012 is considered wasteful and could be eliminated without harming patients. The Massachusetts Hospital Association said that hospitals already are implementing several of the report’s recommendations for reducing spending. AP/Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal.
Several Insurers Offer First-Payment Delay for New Coverage
Several health insurers have delayed the first payment deadline for coverage purchased through the federal and state-operated exchanges, giving consumers up to an additional 20 days to pay premiums for benefits that begin retroactively on Jan. 1. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” Reuters.
Health Officials Report More Influenza-Related Deaths in Sacramento, Santa Cruz Counties
This week, the Sacramento County Department of Health announced the fourth influenza-related death in the county. Meanwhile, a Santa Cruz County health official announced that two area individuals recently died from H1N1 flu strain. Sacramento Bee, Santa Cruz Sentinel.
New Ratings on California Physician Groups Released
Consumer Reports has unveiled new ratings for 170 California physician groups. For the ratings, the California Healthcare Performance Information System surveyed 58,873 privately insured Californians about how well physician groups communicate with patients, whether patients can get appointments in a timely manner, care coordination and helpfulness of office staff. The ratings are available in the February edition of Consumer Reports magazine, as well as on a California HealthCare Foundation website. KPBS et al.
Covered California Customer Service Line Diverting Callers to Website When Volume Hits Capacity
On Wednesday, some state residents who called Covered California’s customer service line heard an electronic message instructing them to visit the exchange website and then disconnected. Anne Gonzalez, spokesperson for the exchange, said this occurs when call volume hits capacity, which has happened in recent weeks despite that all 1,288 lines are open. By 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the customer service line had received 6,023 calls. Sacramento Business Journal.
Study: Patient Portal Helps Boost Rx Drug Adherence
Patients with diabetes who refilled their prescription cholesterol drugs using a patient portal improved their medication adherence by 6%, according to Kaiser Permanente study conducted in Northern California. The study also found that such patients improved their cholesterol levels.
Judge Adds $50M to Award for Safe Removal of Lead Paint
On Tuesday, a judge in Santa Clara County added $50 million to the amount three paint companies must pay for the safe removal of lead paint from millions of homes across 10 California cities and counties. Last month, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge James Kleinberg ruled that the companies marketed the paint knowing that lead has been linked to learning disabilities and other health issues in children. The change brings the total amount the companies must pay to $1.15 billion. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Study Finds Hypoglycemia Hospital Admissions Up at Month’s End
A recent study published in the journal Health Affairs finds that the number of hospital admissions in California for hypoglycemia dramatically increases among low-income populations at the end of each month. The researchers say that low-income individuals with diabetes might be eating less as financial assistance runs low, resulting in hypoglycemia. HealthyCal.