Latest California Healthline Stories
Calif. Officials Warn of Yellow Fever Mosquito Sightings
California health officials are warning state residents about the yellow fever mosquito, which has been found in various areas of the state. The insect — which can carry dengue and yellow fever — was first detected in June in Madera and has since been found in Clovis, Fowler and Fresno, as well as in San Mateo County. Officials are spraying insecticide around infected homes and telling residents to eliminate standing water so that the mosquito cannot lay eggs. Los Angeles Times.
Mobile Health Clinics Could Help Meet Increased Demand Under ACA
At a recent Mobile Health Clinics Association conference in Palm Springs, stakeholders were optimistic that the Affordable Care Act could boost mobile health care services in California and other states. The CEO of MHCA said such clinics will be necessary to meet the increased demand for care under the law. HealthyCal.
CSU Using Grant To Tell Students About State Insurance Exchange
California State University has launched a campaign to educate a quarter-million people about enrolling in health coverage via Covered California with the help of a $1.25 million federal grant. A CSU official estimates that 30% of the university system’s students are uninsured. Sacramento Bee.
Covered California Site Taken Offline Again for Weekend Repairs
Over the weekend, Covered California’s enrollment feature was taken offline for unspecified maintenance, following two other occasions when a portion of the site was taken offline to correct technical issues. Meanwhile, exchange officials say that problems with the website’s provider directory stem from incorrect coding by insurers. U-T San Diego.
476K Insurance Applications Completed Through ACA’s Exchanges
White House officials announced that about 476,000 people have filed health insurance applications through the Affordable Care Act’s federally operated and state-run health insurance exchanges since open enrollment began Oct. 1. The administration plans to release in mid-November data on how many consumers have actually enrolled in health coverage. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Editorial: BART Leaders Should Return to Negotiations
A Sacramento Bee editorial argues that Bay Area Rapid Transit employees should urge their union leaders to return to contract negotiations. Last week, BART employees went on strike after contract discussions over work rules on overtime, scheduling and other issues broke down. The editorial argues, “Union officials need to wake up to the fact that the public will not tolerate this strike for long. The longer it lasts, the greater likelihood that state lawmakers will pass legislation to compel BART workers to honor the no-strike clause in their existing contracts.” Sacramento Bee.
Santa Cruz County Medicare Beneficiaries Spent an Average of $2,250 for Prescription Drugs in 2010
In 2010, Medicare beneficiaries in Santa Cruz County spent an average of $2,250 on prescription drugs, according to a report by the Dartmouth Atlas Project. The county’s prescription drug use among Medicare beneficiaries was among the lowest in the country. According to the report, spending on prescription drugs ranged from $1,770 per Medicare beneficiary in St. Cloud, Minn., to $4,738 in Miami. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Government Shutdown Could Have Lingering Effect on Medical Research, Scientists Say
Some scientists say the fallout from the 16-day partial federal government shutdown will have long-term effects on various research projects, including those examining Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. For example, the shutdown forced NIH to stop processing grant applications, resulting in a paperwork pileup that could affect thousands of grant application reviews. In addition, observers say that the shutdown could prove harmful to long-term research projects relying on data that are continuously collected. Politico.
Major Health Insurers Offering Medicare Advantage Plans Prepare for Lower Earnings Under ACA
Several major health insurers that offer Medicare Advantage plans are bracing for lower earnings next year because of changes under the Affordable Care Act. When private Medicare plans were launched during the George W. Bush administration, they were promised larger government payments as an incentive to participate, but scheduled reductions in government funding for MA plans under the ACA are expected to bring payments more in line with those for traditional Medicare services. Wall Street Journal.
Sebelius Slammed by GOP for Not Testifying About Exchange Issues
Certain House Republicans are criticizing HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for not testifying about problems related to the Affordable Care Act’s federally run health insurance exchange at an upcoming hearing. Meanwhile, certain groups that received navigator grants to help consumers enroll in exchange plans have been hampered by the federal exchange’s technology problems. Reuters et al.