Latest California Healthline Stories
HHS Reveals Premiums for 36 Federally Run Exchanges
A new HHS report shows that the typical individual consumer purchasing coverage through the federally run health insurance exchanges will pay an average premium of $328 per month — before subsidies — for a mid-tier health plan. Obama administration officials touted the lower-than-expected rates, but consumer advocates and insurance experts said the findings should be viewed with caution. AP/Sacramento Bee et al.
Jones Warns of Fraudulent Health Insurance Websites, Salespeople
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is warning residents about purchasing health coverage through fraudulent websites and salespeople. Meanwhile, the Department of Insurance has identified several “red flags” that could help individuals avoid improper insurance sellers. Sacramento Bee, DOI release.
Many Hospitals Rely on Paper or Fax To Share Data Outside Facilities, Survey Finds
More than 70% of senior hospital IT executives in a recent survey by Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Analytics said their facility participates in a health information exchange organization, but many reported relying on paper or fax to share data outside their facilities. The respondents said the two major challenges to health information exchange are exchanging information in a meaningful way and budget and staffing limitations. Healthcare IT News.
State Officials Transfer Nearly 2,000 Inmates At Risk of Valley Fever
California officials say they have moved nearly 2,000 inmates at risk of contracting valley fever out of two state prisons, as called for under a court order. Meanwhile, CDC and NIH have announced a study to determine the best treatment for the infection. AP/KPCC’s “KPCC News” et al.
Judges Give Calif. Four Additional Weeks To Curb Prison Population
Federal judges have rejected a request by Gov. Brown for a three-year extension to comply with a court-ordered reduction of the state prison population but allowed the state four extra weeks to meet the cap. The judges also have ordered the state and inmates’ attorneys to meet and discuss “a durable solution” to prison overcrowding by the new Jan. 27, 2014 deadline. Reuters et al.
Brown Signs Bill To Expand Paid Family Leave Program
On Tuesday, Gov. Brown signed legislation that will expand California’s Paid Family Leave program to include workers who take time off to care for seriously ill grandparents, grandchildren, siblings and in-laws. The program allows eligible employees to take off up to six weeks of partially paid leave from their jobs annually. The expansion will take effect July 1, 2014. AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
LAO: Calif. Budget Stabilizing, but Issues Loom on Horizon
A new state Legislative Analyst’s report found that personal income tax collections — which make up 60% of the state’s general fund reserve — is 5.9% higher than Gov. Brown’s expectations for September and capital gains tax revenue is about 20% higher than the administration’s predictions. However, sales tax revenue is nearly 4.3% below Brown’s estimates. The analysts said the budget’s stability will depend on the stock market’s performance. Sacramento Business Journal.
Insurers, PBMs Moving To Adjust Business Models Amid Shift to Private Exchanges
A rising trend among large employers to shift workers into private health insurance exchanges is forcing health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers to adjust their business models. Experts say that a significant shift to private exchanges could force PBMs to enter contracts with insurers to maintain a more direct relationship with consumers. Meanwhile, some insurers are preparing for the potential business shift by becoming investors in private exchanges, while others are building their own. Reuters.
FDA Releases Guidance on Mobile Health Applications
On Monday, FDA issued final guidance for how it will regulate mobile health applications. According to the final guidance, FDA will focus oversight on apps that were developed to be used as accessories to regulated medical devices, such as apps that allow health care providers to view medical images on smartphones or tablets, or can transform mobile devices into regulated medical devices, such as apps that allow a smartphone to be used as an electrocardiography machine. Reuters, FierceHealthIT.
Many States’ Small Business Exchanges Not Ready for Oct. 1 Launch
While most states are prepared to begin open enrollment for their health insurance exchanges next week, few of them are prepared to do the same for their small business health insurance exchanges. Washington Post‘s “On Small Business.”