Latest California Healthline Stories
White House Official Lowers Expectations for Exchange Enrollment
White House senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer says that initial health insurance exchange enrollment numbers likely will not meet the Obama administration’s expectations, due in large part to technical issues on the federal exchange website. However, he said that once such problems are resolved, the administration should reach its overall enrollment goals. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Analysts Took No Corrective Action at Closed Long-Term Care Facility
A review of state documents finds that inspectors with the California Department of Social Services reported deteriorating conditions at an assisted-living facility in Castro Valley that was shut down by the state but took no corrective action to help patients still living there. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Possible Norovirus Outbreak Being Investigated at Stanford
Last week, Stanford University officials said that health officials are investigating a possible norovirus outbreak on campus after more than 50 students became ill, including four who were hospitalized after becoming dehydrated. The students reported having influenza-like symptoms that appeared to be in a pattern consistent with norovirus after eating at an undergraduate housing facility. The dormitory now is being sanitized, and school officials are informing dorm residents to “be vigilant about hygiene.” Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Alameda Alliance Removed From Covered California Insurer List
Covered California has removed Alameda Alliance For Health from a list of eligible insurers offering health plans through the exchange because the not-for-profit insurer has not met certain requirements. Exchange officials have not provided the number of consumers who already have signed up for Alameda Alliance plans. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Union Coalition Backs Up SEIU Local in Fight With L.A. County Over Retirement Health Benefits
On Friday, a coalition of unions representing 90,000 workers said they would join Service Employees International Union 721 in its fight with Los Angeles County over retirement health care benefits. The unions — which already signed contracts with a 6% raise — said that workers will see their pay cut despite the raise because of rising health care insurance premiums. Los Angeles Times.
UC Union Gives Leaders OK To Call Possible Strike at Hospitals, Campuses
Ninety-six percent of the members of AFSCME 3299 — a union representing 22,000 patient care employees and service workers at University of California campuses and hospitals — voted in favor of allowing union leaders to authorize a strike if a contract agreement is not reached. Union leaders say reduced staffing levels are creating unsafe conditions for workers and patients, while UC officials say a new pension plan is the sticking point. The strike would affect 10 UC campuses and five hospitals. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Poll: Exchange Issues Have Not Swayed ACA Opinions
The rocky rollout of the federal health insurance exchange website has had little effect on overall public opinion about the Affordable Care Act, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation poll. The poll found that 44% of respondents said they have an unfavorable view of the law and 38% said they have a favorable view, reflecting a similar split in views found in a September KFF poll. Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules.”
Tavenner Says Small Business Exchange Will Be Functional by the End of November
Last week, CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner told lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee that the Small Business Health Options Program exchange would be functional “at the end of November.” The Obama administration in late September said that online enrollment in federally run exchanges for employers with 50 or fewer workers would be delayed by one month from Oct. 1 because of technical problems. During a recent press briefing, White House press secretary Jay Carney reiterated that the start date for SHOP would be Nov. 1. New York Times‘ “You’re the Boss.”
California Health Care Personnel News Roundup for October 2013
Richard Thorp has been named president of the California Medical Association. James Beer has taken over as CFO and executive vice president at McKesson. Trustnode, a health care software startup, has announced Steve Adams as the company’s new CEO.
Documents Show Low Exchange Enrollment During First Week
Documents released by a House lawmaker show that only six U.S. residents purchased coverage through the federal health insurance exchange on Oct. 1, the first day of open enrollment, and that 248 had purchased coverage by Oct. 3. Meanwhile, state data show that a disproportionate number of people who have obtained coverage through the exchanges have enrolled in Medicaid and not private coverage. Reuters et al.