Latest California Healthline Stories
New Federal Rules Require Overtime Pay for 360K Calif. Caregivers
About 360,000 employees of California’s In-Home Supportive Services will be eligible for overtime pay under new rules issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. Some observers have praised the change, but others worry that it could prompt states to cut such workers’ hours, which could limit access to care. Los Angeles Times, AP/Sacramento Bee.
Millions Could Spend Less Than $100 per Month on ACA Coverage
A new HHS report finds that about 50% of the nearly 23 million uninsured U.S. residents expected to qualify for coverage through the insurance exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act will have access to plans with monthly premiums costing less than $100. Politico et al.
Report: Medi-Cal Beneficiaries Have Driven Surge in ED Visits
A research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that the number of Medi-Cal beneficiaries visiting California emergency departments increased by 35% from 2005 to 2010. Experts say the findings could have implications for the state’s Medi-Cal expansion under the Affordable Care Act next year. MedPage Today‘s “The Gupta Guide,” Medical News Today.
Census Data: Calif. Uninsured Rate Decreases, Poverty Rate Climbs
U.S. Census Bureau data released this week show that the rate of uninsured California residents has declined since 2006, while the percentage of residents living in poverty has increased. Experts say the data highlight the importance of public health insurance. Palm Springs Desert-Sun et al.
Cancer, Patient Groups Seek To Build Genetic Databases
Cancer foundations and not-for-profit patient groups are working to build genetic databases that collect DNA and other information from patients with diseases that are difficult to treat. The groups say that the data could be used to accelerate drug development and help connect patients with clinical trials. Wall Street Journal.
L.A. Council OKs Putting Measure To Create Separate Public Health Department on June Ballot
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted to include on the June ballot a measure that would create a separate city public health department. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has been pushing the measure, arguing the county department is overly bureaucratic and ineffective. However, the city has warned that it does not have the funding or expertise to oversee public health laws. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
UC Medical Workers Allege Unfair Treatment During Strike
Last week, the state Public Employment Relations Board — on behalf of thousands of University of California hospital workers — filed a complaint alleging that UC administrators threatened workers when they participated in a two-day strike in May at medical facilities in six California cities over staffing and pension issues. A UC spokesperson said the university’s administrators believe they adhered to the law. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Murietta City Council Extends Eight-Year Medical Pot Ban
On Tuesday, the Murietta City Council voted 3-1 to extend an eight-year ban on medical marijuana dispensaries. The city council also decided to extend the ban to mobile dispensaries that make deliveries to Murietta residents. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
States Contract With Medicaid Managed Care Plans Despite Cases of Fraud, Low-Quality Care
Health agencies in several states continue to contract with private insurers for Medicaid despite cases of fraud and low-quality care related to such insurers. Health experts say states could be reluctant to cut ties with a Medicaid managed care plan because it could disrupt beneficiaries’ care. Meanwhile, experts say states should do more to identify problem plans and not wait until contracts are up for renewal to address the issue. Washington Post.
Obama Blasts GOP Members Trying To Defund, Delay ACA
Yesterday, President Obama criticized Republicans for refusing to compromise on budget resolutions unless the Affordable Care Act is defunded and called on the rest of the GOP to help broker a budget deal. House Speaker John Boehner reiterated his call for the president to delay the ACA. The Hill‘s “Hill Tube” et al.