Latest California Healthline Stories
South L.A. Residents Face Barriers to Dental Care
Preventive dental care is not “at the front of patients’ mind,” Frazier Moore — dental director at Watts Health Clinic in Los Angeles — said. Cost also is a barrier to dental care. According to a 2013 report from the L.A. County Department of Public Health, nearly 15% of children and 35% of adults in South L.A. did not receive dental care in 2011 because it was unaffordable. KPCC’s “On Central.”
Health Insurance Sign-Up Must Be Simple, Editorial Says
A Los Angeles Times editorial argues that state lawmakers and Gov. Brown’s administration must ensure that Covered California — the state’s health insurance exchange — and counties provide newly eligible health insurance consumers with “hassle-free customer service.” Because the Affordable Care Act’s success depends on more Americans obtaining health coverage, the state should “make sure that whether applicants contacted Covered California or a county welfare office, they could be enrolled on the spot in whatever insurance program they were eligible for.” Los Angeles Times.
Obama Touts Benefits of Affordable Care Act During California Visit
During a visit to San Jose, President Obama encouraged U.S. residents to enroll in health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, former President Clinton during a visit to Los Angeles challenged the state to implement the law successfully. AP/Washington Post et al.
U.S. Senators Ask HHS To Review California Exchange Disclosure
Five GOP U.S. senators have sent a letter to HHS asking the agency to investigate whether California is inappropriately concealing details of contracts for its state health insurance exchange. HHS says it is reviewing the letter. AP/U-T San Diego.
CalPERS Projects State, School Pension Costs Will Decline
Pension costs for California government and school district employees are projected to decline by $102.8 billion in fiscal year 2013-2014, according to a new CalPERS report. Meanwhile, the report estimates that total state pension contributions will decline by $71.3 million to about $3.81 billion. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
California Department of Public Health Fines 10 Hospitals Total of $625K
The California Department of Public Health has fined 10 hospitals a total of $625,000 for incidents that caused patient harm or death. The incidents included leaving surgical objects inside of patients after procedures and giving the wrong medications. HealthLeaders Media et al.
30M Americans Will Still Be Uninsured in 2016 Under ACA, Study Says
A study published in Health Affairs predicts that about 30 million U.S. residents still will lack health coverage by 2016. However, that figure is expected to shrink gradually after 2016, as enrollment in state insurance exchanges increases. Washington Post‘s “Wonkblog,” National Journal.
Young Adults, Uninsured To Receive ACA Subsidies
A significant portion of young adults and uninsured individuals whose premiums are expected to increase under the Affordable Care Act will be eligible for subsidies to offset the cost of coverage, according to an analysis released last week by Avalere Health. Specifically, researchers found that two-thirds of young adults who are uninsured and 46% of all uninsured individuals will be eligible for subsidies. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Editorial Says Brown Should Not Eschew County Funding
A Los Angeles Times editorial argues that while Gov. Brown’s administration seeks to divert an “influx of federal health care dollars” under the Affordable Care Act away from county health programs, the goal of state officials “should be to end up with higher quality and more efficient care for as many Californians as possible.” Los Angeles Times.
Panel OKs Audit of Emergency Medical Funds in L.A. County
California’s Joint Legislative Audit Committee has ordered an audit into how funds from 2002’s Measure B are distributed throughout Los Angeles County to trauma centers and emergency department. The order comes in response to complaints that the funding is not being distributed fairly. Measure B increased county property taxes by three cents per square foot to provide funding for the county’s trauma centers and emergency medical services. Los Angeles Times.