Latest California Healthline Stories
Groups Voice Concerns About Proposed Rule for Workplace Wellness
Business executives and lawmakers are concerned about a proposed rule that allows employers to award workers as much as 30% of their health coverage costs for participating in wellness programs, an increase from the current 20%. The Hill‘s “RegWatch,” CQ HealthBeat.
CDC: U.S. Adults Continue Unhealthy Behaviors
Many U.S. adults continue to take part in unhealthy behaviors — such as smoking, heavy drinking and sedentary lifestyles — that have kept the country’s overall health from improving, according to a CDC report released Tuesday. The report noted that about 60% of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese. HealthDay/Philadelphia Inquirer.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 24, 2013
Kaweah Delta Medical Center has unveiled to the public its new $2.7 million helipad, which is scheduled to open June 3. The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System has entered into negotiations to sell St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica to Providence Health & Services.
Sugary Drink, Cigarette Tax Bills Fail To Make Senate Cut
On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee failed to advance tax bills on cigarettes and soda. After reviewing 257 bills, SB 768 — a bill that would have raised taxes on cigarettes by $2 a pack — and SB 622 — a bill that would have imposed a tax on sugary drinks — were shelved. Sacramento Bee, U-T San Diego.
House Lawmakers Look To Resolve Differences on Immigrant Coverage
House lawmakers seek an agreement on legislation that would allow certain immigrants to purchase health coverage. House members disagree on whether immigrants should be deported if they do not obtain insurance or fail to pay health care bills. Los Angeles Times et al.
White House, Enroll America Ties Prompt Insurer Concerns
Insurers are becoming increasingly concerned about the connection between the Obama administration and Enroll America, a not-for-profit coalition of groups focused on implementing and raising awareness about the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges. Former and current Obama administration officials have adopted leadership and fundraising positions with the coalition. According to one official who works closely with insurers, Enroll America feels like “just an arm of the administration” and insurers are feeling pressured to make financial contributions to the group. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
State Exchange Reveals Premium Rates, Participating Insurers
Covered California — the state insurance exchange — has announced a premium rate structure for health plans participating in the online marketplace. Officials also said that 13 health insurers will offer plans through the exchange. New York Times et al.
Resistance From Calif. Prison Officials Growing, Kelso Says
In a report filed in federal court on Wednesday, federal receiver J. Clark Kelso — who is monitoring California’s prison health care system — said state officials have changed their tone toward his orders in cases involving valley fever outbreaks at prisons “from acquiescence bordering on support … to opposition bordering on contempt.” Kelso said that resistance from state officials has increased since a panel of judges denied their request to end a federal prison population cap. A state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation official said the receiver’s report is “less about the health of inmates and more about shifting blame.” KPCC’s “Represent!”
Report Says Nevada Mental Health Hospital Should Make Changes
A report by Nevada-appointed consultants says that the state should enact several changes to curb a psychiatric hospital’s practice of busing patients to California and other states. However, the report says that the busing of patients sometimes is appropriate. Sacramento Bee.
Report: Employers Cut Hours, Coverage Options Before ACA Was Passed
A new report finds that the trend of employers reducing workers’ hours and health coverage options began before the Affordable Care Act was passed. The report says the percentage of part-time workers increased by 5.3% from 2007 to 2011. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” CQ HealthBeat.