Latest California Healthline Stories
HHS Scales Back ACA’s Health Insurance Income Verification Process
HHS has published a final rule that will scale back requirements for federal and state health insurance exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act to verify the insurance status and income of people applying for subsidized coverage. Reuters, Washington Post.
Appeals Court Rules That Calif.’s 2009 Medi-Cal Cuts Were Illegal
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that California in 2009 illegally cut Medi-Cal coverage for adult dental care, chiropractic treatment and podiatric services in rural, and other underserved areas of the state. The judges have ruled that such benefits are considered mandatory under federal Medicaid rules. Sacramento Bee, Reuters.
Land Use, Economic Disparities Affect Health in Los Angeles, According to Data Released by Mayor
Data recently released by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on his last day in office show that economic disparities, as well as land use, affect individuals’ health. More than 100 health indicators — including obesity, asthma and coronary disease — were studied across Los Angeles neighborhoods and compiled into a health atlas with 115 maps. The data will be included in the city’s general plan. Los Angeles Daily News.
Judges Deny Brown’s Request To Delay Release of 9,600 Prisoners
Three judges have denied a request by Gov. Brown’s administration to stay the federal court-ordered release of nearly 10,000 inmates until the U.S. Supreme Court reviews the case. State officials say they will comply with the release order while making their case to the Supreme Court. Los Angeles Times.
Palomar Health To Close Escondido Nursing Home, Cites Cuts to Medi-Cal
Last week, Palomar Health announced that it will close Palomar Continuing Care Center, the system’s nursing home Escondido, in October. The decision — made in part because of changes to Medicaid reimbursements — will result in 130 layoffs and the relocation more than 80 residents. U-T San Diego.
Nearly 150 Female Prisoners in Calif. Sterilized Without Authorization
State data show that physicians under contract with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation violated state law by sterilizing at least 148 female inmates between 2006 and 2010 without required approval. Prisoner advocates say that the inmates were coerced into accepting the procedure. Center for Investigative Reporting.
Editorial Says Employer Mandate Delay Likely an Admission That Obamacare Is ‘Unpopular’
A U-T San Diego editorial argues that the Obama administration’s decision to delay for one year a requirement that large companies provide health insurance coverage to workers appears to be a “tacit admission that Obamacare is deeply unpopular — and that its implementation will only make it more so.” The editorial asks, “If the Affordable Care Act does precisely the opposite of what its name implies, why not scrap the whole thing and start over?” U-T San Diego.
More Patients Turning to Crowd-Funding Websites To Help Pay Medical Care Costs
Crowd-funding websites for patients’ medical expenses are growing in popularity, and several medical institutions and associations are now joining the industry. Observers say there are some potential issues with the increased use of online fundraising sites, including privacy and fraud concerns and the loss of eligibility for Medicaid or other assistance programs. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.
Physicians are more likely to use more costly medical products if they interact with sales representatives from companies that manufacture them, which would raise care costs for patients, according to a study published recently in the American Heart Journal. The study found that physicians chose to use drug-eluting stents for certain procedures 56% of the time when they interacted with sales representatives and 51% of the time when they did not interact with sales representatives. Reuters.
Long-Term Insurance Coverage Out of Reach for Many Americans
It is becoming more difficult for U.S. residents to obtain long-term health insurance coverage as the industry shrinks and premiums for such coverage are on the rise. Since 2010, half of the largest long-term policy sellers have reduced or discontinued such plans. Wall Street Journal.