Latest California Healthline Stories
ACA Loophole Could Force Calif. Physicians To Cover Care Costs
Observers are concerned that an Affordable Care Act loophole that allows families who fail to pay premiums for subsidized health plans to continue receiving coverage for three months could leave physicians responsible for the cost of care. Sacramento Bee.
House Republicans Raise Concerns About ACA’s Exchange Navigators
At a House hearing yesterday, Republicans pressed federal health officials about the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchange navigators program, questioning workers’ level of access to sensitive data and whether felons could serve in the program. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” CQ Roll Call.
State Offering Health IT Grants for Rural Providers
The California eHealth Quality program is offering $1 million in grants to help health care providers in rural areas of the state implement health data exchange technology and meet standards of the federal meaningful use program. Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record systems can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments. The grants are aimed at reducing duplicative testing, a common problem in rural areas. The funding likely will be disbursed through the remainder of 2013. Government Health IT.
San Mateo County To Hire 25 for ACA Benefits Processing
On Tuesday, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors authorized the hiring of 25 individuals to help process the expected influx of new benefits applications under the Affordable Care Act. The new employees — 21 benefits analysts, two office assistants and two supervisors — are expected to be hired by mid-July and trained by Oct. 1, when the county will start to accept applications for benefits under the ACA. San Jose Mercury News.
Beaumont Council Votes To Ban Marijuana Dispensaries
On Tuesday, the Beaumont City Council unanimously voted to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. After voting to extend a moratorium against such businesses — which was set to expire June 1 — for 12 more months, the council voted to ban the dispensaries altogether. Before the proposed ban can be implemented, it must come before the council one more time. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Proposed Ballot Measure Requires Doctor Drug Testing
A campaign will launch this summer in support of a proposed state ballot measure that would require that physicians randomly are subjected to drug and alcohol testing. Bob Pack — former executive at AOL and NetZero — is leading the $2 million campaign to place the measure on the November 2014 ballot. A California Medical Association spokesperson said the campaign is a “publicity stunt.” AP/Miami Herald.
Two-Day Strike at UC Medical Centers Could Cost Tens of Millions
A two-day strike this week by thousands of clinical and technical workers at five University of California medical centers could cost the facilities a total of $20 million, according to UC officials. Bringing in temporary workers to maintain adequate staffing levels is the source of much of the costs. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.
Families USA Poll: Most Adults in Deep South Back Medicaid Expansion
A Families USA poll finds that although few adults living in the Deep South have a favorable view of the Affordable Care Act, nearly two-thirds support the ACA’s Medicaid expansion. All of the states surveyed are led by GOP governors who have opted not to expand their Medicaid programs. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Senate OKs Bill Requiring Larger Print for Rx Labels
The California Senate has approved a bill — by Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett — that would require pharmacists to print important drug information on prescription labels in at least 12-point type. Corbett said that the bill “seeks to prevent medication use errors.” The California Grocers Association opposes the measure, arguing that the requirement is “unworkable in a real-world setting” because labels already contain a significant amount of information required by the state. The measure now moves to the Assembly. Los Angeles Times.
Senate OKs Bill To Regulate Medical Marijuana Shops
On Monday, the California Senate voted 22-12 to approve a bill that would shield medical marijuana dispensaries from prosecution for marijuana sale or possession. Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg said the legislation aims to bar criminals from the medical marijuana business and clarify confusion between state and federal law. The bill now moves to the Assembly. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert” et al.