Latest California Healthline Stories
California Law Reduces Medical Bills for Uninsured, Study Finds
A study published in Health Affairs finds that a state law that limits how much hospitals can charge uninsured patients has resulted in lower medical bills for some individuals and no-cost care for many low-income residents. Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules.”
Study: Black, Latino Children Opt for Sugary Fruit Juices
While the overall consumption of sugary sodas among California children has declined, more low-income black and Latino children are consuming sugar-sweetened fruit juices, according to a study by UC-San Francisco researchers published in the journal Academic Pediatrics. Alexis Gomez — a family nurse practitioner at St. John’s Well Child and Family Center — said that overconsumption of such fruit drinks can increase a young person’s chance of becoming obese and developing type 2 diabetes. KPCC’s “On Central.”
Obama Calls for National Effort To Better Treat Diagnose, Mental Illness
During a White House conference, President Obama called for a national effort to better diagnose and treat mental illnesses. The event — which came in response to mass-casualty shootings — aimed to reduce stigma associated with mental illnesses. Politico‘s “Politico 44” et al.
Insurers Owe Small Firms Millions Under Medical-Loss Ratio Rule
Health insurers have submitted filings to the California Department of Managed Health Care showing that they owe small business policyholders millions of dollars in rebates under an Affordable Care Act provision. Insurers must issue the rebates by Aug. 1. Los Angeles Times.
Valley Fever Cases Drop in State; Officials Unsure if Trend Will Continue
Although the number of valley fever cases in California fell by more than 1,000 in 2012, public health officials say it is too early to tell if the trend will continue. The 2012 count still is significantly higher than the number of cases reported in 2002, they say. Stockton Record.
States That Opt Out of Medicaid Expansion Will Lose Billions in Funds
A study published in Health Affairs this week finds that states that do not participate in the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act would lose billions in federal funding, and millions fewer low-income residents would become insured. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Judge Lifts Ban on Public Access to Medicare Pay Data
On Friday, a federal judge lifted a 33-year-old injunction that barred the government from giving the public access to a confidential database of Medicare reimbursements. The injunction stems from a lawsuit filed by the American Medical Association and the Florida Medical Association, which argued that disclosure of such information would violate the 1974 Privacy Act. U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard said in her decision that judicial rulings since the injunction was put in place have restricted the Privacy Act’s reach, meaning that the ban was now based “upon a legal principle that can no longer be sustained.” Reuters, Wall Street Journal.
OIG Outlines Issues With Two Medicare Provider Databases
Health care provider information in two Medicare databases is inaccurate and incomplete, according to a report by HHS’ Office of the Inspector General. The databases — used to determine provider identities to help prevent fraud — are the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System, or NPPES, and Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System, or PECOS. OIG also found that information shared between the databases was inconsistent for 97% of records, with the most inaccuracies appearing in providers’ addresses. FierceHealthIT, Health Data Management.
Editorial: State Shouldn’t Take Health Funds From Counties
A San Jose Mercury News editorial argues that Gov. Brown should allow counties to continue receiving $1.4 billion annually in vehicle license fees to fund health programs. It notes, “Brown believes Obamacare will save $300 million next year for counties, so he wants to take that money away from the $1.4 billion this year and larger chunks in ensuing years.” However, the editorial argues, “It is irresponsible to lock in cuts like this until it’s clear what counties’ actual costs will be.” San Jose Mercury News.
Editorial Says Covered Calif. Rates Better Than Expected
A Sacramento Bee editorial argues that the recent release of a premium rate structure for health plans offered through Covered California, the state health insurance exchange, shows that “the market is working as intended — actually better.” According to the editorial, residents in every region of the state “will have a choice among at least three insurance companies,” while competition between health plans “has brought the rates lower than expected.” Sacramento Bee.