Latest California Healthline Stories
Supreme Court To Tackle ACA Contraceptive Coverage Cases
The U.S. Supreme Court says it likely will hear cases involving the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive coverage rules in March 2014. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties are challenging the requirement that most for-profit, private businesses must offer contraceptive coverage in their health plans, saying that it goes against their owners’ personal beliefs and violates the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act. AP/Washington Post et al.
Cost of Employer-Based Health Coverage in L.A. Rises 4.5% in 2013
A survey released by Mercer finds that the cost of employer-sponsored health coverage this year has increased by 4.5% in Los Angeles, compared with a 2.1% hike nationally. Employers are expecting health care costs to increase by more than 5% next year as the Affordable Care Act is implemented. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.”
Covered California Launches Hotline for Those With Canceled Plans
Earlier this week, California’s health insurance exchange launched a customer assistance hotline to help state residents whose health insurance is being canceled because it does not meet the Affordable Care Act’s minimum coverage requirements. The “Coverage Options Hotline” is staffed by 25 representatives at Covered California’s service center in Rancho Cordova. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.
Accusations of Violence at Disability Center Have Gone Unpunished
A review of state documents finds that accusations of patient abuse against a nursing assistant at a California developmental disability center have gone unpunished for years. Investigators say that the findings offer a “disturbing glimpse” into how the state assesses violence at board-and-care institutions. Center for Investigative Reporting.
On Dec. 19, the Transitional Living & Community Support Mental Health Crisis Respite Center will open in East Sacramento. The opening could mitigate the volume of patients entering emergency departments in Sacramento County seeking mental health crisis care. The 24-hour mental health crisis respite center can accommodate up to 10 individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and will be open to Sacramento County residents ages 18 and older. Sacramento Business Journal.
ACLU Alleges Covered California Fails To Provide Adequate Voting Registration Opportunities
The American Civil Liberties Union of California says that it believes Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, is lagging behind other state-run health exchanges’ voter registration opportunities for newly eligible health insurance applicants. If Covered California does not improve voter registration on its application process by Dec. 16, ACLU will consider legal action. A Covered California spokesperson has said that the health exchange website contains a voter registration button and that the exchange is hiring a voter registration coordinator. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Calif. Only Has Collected Half of Fines for Abuse, Neglect at State Assisted-Living Facilities
California only has collected about half of about $2 million in fines levied upon state assisted-living facilities for cases of abuse and neglect. Pat McGinnis with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform attributed the lag to years of budget cuts and inattention. The California Department of Social Services, which oversees assisted living-facilities, did not comment on the matter. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Big Data, Analytics Likely To Reshape Health Care Industry
The analysis of large data sets could help health care providers and policymakers make better health care decisions and predict future trends. For example, big data could help insurers revamp how they predict costs and allow patients to inform physicians about which medications will not work with their particular genomes. However, several barriers remain with the use of big data, including privacy concerns and a lack of awareness among patients. USA Today.
CMS To Phase In Dialysis Provider Cuts Over Several Years
CMS will phase in cuts to dialysis providers over three to four years, meaning overall payments for 2014 will remain the same, according to a final rule released Friday. In July, the agency recommended a 9.4% cut, but industry advocates said such a cut would force smaller operators out of business and decrease patient care in rural areas. The final rule also authorizes a 50% increase to home dialysis training payment adjustments. Modern Healthcare, Reuters.
Mobile Initiative Helps Isolated Caregivers in L.A., Ventura Counties
Senior Concerns has launched a new mobile support center for isolated caregivers in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The mobile unit transports case managers, senior advocates and legal and financial advisers, in addition to providing educational materials. HealthyCal.