Latest California Healthline Stories
Obama Meets With Lawmakers, but No Progress on Budget Deal
Yesterday, President Obama met with lawmakers from both parties to discuss potential solutions to the partial federal government shutdown — which enters its third day today — but Obama refused to discuss cuts to the Affordable Care Act as part of a deal. Meanwhile, the House passed three small appropriations bills, including one that would restore funding for NIH, to spare some agencies from the shutdown. Wall Street Journal et al.
Ventura County Officials Arrest 21 for Illegally Selling Rx on Craigslist
Investigators in Ventura County have arrested more than 20 individuals who sought to illegally sell prescription medications — including OxyContin and Xanax — on Craigslist. The arrests came after state senators from California and Nevada sent letters to Craigslist’s CEO demanding the removal of such ads. Ventura County Star.
Millions of Low-Income Individuals To Remain Uninsured Under ACA
Because they live in states that have opted not to expand their Medicaid programs, nearly 66% of low-income blacks and single mothers and more than 50% of low-wage workers who lack health coverage will remain uninsured after the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, according to an analysis of U.S. Census data. New York Times.
On Wednesday, Gov. Brown signed a bill requiring that priority consideration be given to nurse practitioners when placing foster children who have special health care needs. The legislation was among a package of 10 bills signed by Brown that seek to protect foster youth and homeless children and adults. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Calif. Employment Development Department To Clear Unemployment Claims Backlog
In a statement issued Wednesday, the state Employment Development Department said it will clear a backlog of unemployment claims. The announcement comes one week after Gov. Brown ordered the agency to begin paying backlogged claims for continued benefits before determining if claims are eligible for payment. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Assembly Member Wants To Require Lawmakers To Use Exchange
Next year, Assembly member Brian Nestande plans to introduce a measure that would require state lawmakers to obtain health insurance through Covered California. Nestande does not support the Affordable Care Act, but he says enrolling in the insurance exchange would help lawmakers gauge how well the marketplace is working. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal,” Nestande release.
Last month, a Glendale Superior Court judge issued a proposed judgment that would order a South Pasadena plastic surgeon to pay the California Department of Managed Health Care $562,500 in civil penalties for collecting fees beyond their cost-sharing arrangements from patients with insurance policies regulated by DMHC. A hearing will be held Nov. 15 to finalize the judgment. Payers & Providers.
Lawsuit Targets One-Year ACA Employer Mandate Delay
In a lawsuit filed in federal court on Tuesday, a Florida-based orthodontist argues that the Obama administration broke the law when it instituted a one-year delay to the Affordable Care Act’s employer insurance mandate in July. The plaintiff, who is seeking to block the delay, says he spent thousands of dollars in legal fees to comply with the mandate’s initial January 2014 deadline. The Hill‘s “RegWatch.”
Applications for 9/11 Compensation Fund Increase Ahead of Oct. 3 Filing Deadline
Applications for a federal fund established to compensate certain people who were affected by the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center have increased significantly in recent days ahead of an Oct. 3 filing deadline. By late June, only 19,733 people had applied for payments, but more than 6,000 have done so since Sept. 15, according to officials. AP/U-T San Diego.
U.S. Health Care Industry To Feel Effects of Government Shutdown
The shutdown of the federal government is having a significant effect on federal health care agencies, services that rely on discretionary spending and health care providers. The shutdown enters its second day Wednesday. Modern Healthcare et al.