Latest California Healthline Stories
House GOP To Unveil Alternative ACA Defunding Strategy
On Tuesday, House Republicans leaders are expected to unveil an alternative strategy to defund the Affordable Care Act while minimizing the threat of a government shutdown. Some GOP lawmakers and conservative groups who support the original defunding plan say the new proposal is unacceptable. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
State Senate OKs Bill on Building Codes for Abortion Clinics
On Monday, the California Senate voted 25-12 to approve a bill that would bring building code standards for abortion clinics in the state into line with all other primary care clinics. Bill supporters — such as the Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California — argue that clinics providing early-term abortion services should not have to meet different and more costly construction standards, while GOP opponents of the measure say altering the standards could increase risks. The bill now goes back to the Assembly for a final vote. AP/U-T San Diego.
California Senate Approves Condoms for Prison Inmates
On Monday, the California Senate voted 21-13 to approve a bill that would require that condoms be available at adult prisons in the state to mitigate the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C and other diseases. The bill would require the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to make condoms available in five prisons by 2015 and all 33 adult prisons by 2020. The measure now goes to the Assembly for consideration. AP/U-T San Diego.
Bill Would Block ACA Tax Subsidies for Certain Union Health Plans
Yesterday, Sen. John Thune introduced legislation that would prevent the Obama administration from providing federal tax subsidies to labor union members in “Taft-Hartley” health plans, which do not meet coverage standards under the Affordable Care Act. Washington Times et al.
Calif. Assembly Passes Two Bills Aimed at Reducing Rx Drug Misuse
The state Assembly has approved two measures that seek to reduce prescription drug misuse. One bill would require coroners to report prescription drug-related deaths to the state medical board, and the other would require physicians to pay a licensing fee to help fund a prescription drug monitoring database. AP/KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Officials: Covered California On Track for Open Enrollment on Oct. 1
California’s health insurance exchange is on schedule to begin open enrollment next month, according to officials. However, they say that about 20,000 enrollment counselors still must be trained and 12,000 insurance agents need to be certified to sell plans through the exchange. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.”
Assembly OKs Bill Seeking Background Checks for Certain Covered California Employees
Last week, the Assembly voted 68-0 to approve a bill that would require background checks for Covered California employees who would have access to enrollees’ private information to help protect consumers from identity theft. Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway — the bill’s author — said that consumer protection should be as important as access to affordable health insurance. AP/U-T San Diego.
El Dorado County Planning Commission Objects to Ban on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
The El Dorado County planning commission recently objected to a proposed ordinance amendment — initiated by the county Board of Supervisors — that would ban all medical marijuana distribution facilities. Commission Chair Dave Pratt said that the county should start viewing medical marijuana dispensaries as tax-paying businesses that can contribute to the local economy. Sacramento Bee.
IBM, Time Warner To Move Retirees to Private Exchanges
IBM plans to move about 110,000 retirees off of its company-sponsored health coverage and into a private insurance exchange, similar to those created under the ACA. The company said it aims to curb costs by moving all IBM retirees who are eligible for Medicare to the country’s largest private Medicare exchange — Extend Health — which is operated by Towers Watson. Time Warner also is planning to shift its U.S. retirees from company-sponsored health plans to private insurance exchanges, according to a memo sent to retirees in August. Wall Street Journal et al.
Conservative Groups Urge GOP To Embrace ACA Defunding Plan
On Tuesday, several conservative groups are expected to hold a rally outside the Capitol to boost support for a GOP plan to defund the Affordable Care Act through the budget process. Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor last week released a memo saying the House would continue to target the ACA through a series of votes. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.