Latest California Healthline Stories
Lawsuit Alleges Dignity Health Has Underfunded its Pensions by $1.2B
A former Dignity Health employee has filed a class action lawsuit alleging that the health system has underfunded its pension plans by about $1.2 billion. The health system says that it has complied with the law and will not comment on pending legal cases. Sacramento Business Journal.
SEIU Bargaining Covers ACA’s Effects, CalPERS Benefits
Last week, Service Employees International Union Local 1000 — the largest public workers’ union in California — began collective bargaining with state officials on behalf of 95,000 employees. Union leaders presented a series of proposals that included examinations of the Affordable Care Act’s effect on workers and changes to the compensation structure for employees who opt out of the CalPERS health benefits program. Sacramento Business Journal.
Editorial: Hernandez’s Bills Would Curb Doctor Shortage
A Contra Costa Times editorial argues that a series of bills by state Sen. Ed Hernandez that would expand the scope of practice for non-physicians would help curb a shortage of primary care physicians in California. According to the editorial, “California has to make more efficient use of its medical professionals to serve newly insured patients.” It concludes, “Instead of fighting Hernandez’s bills, doctors should work with him to build in safeguards.” Contra Costa Times.
President’s Budget Aims To Create New Income Brackets for Medicare
New budget details show that President Obama’s plan to raise Medicare premiums for higher-income beneficiaries would create five new income brackets for the program. The change seeks to generate more revenue for the federal government. AP/Miami Herald, Washington Times.
CIRM To Loan Group $19.3M for Alzheimer’s Research
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine will provide a forgivable $19.3 million loan to Newark-based StemCells for its research into Alzheimer’s disease. The loan term is 10 years, but the funds will be disbursed over four years with undisclosed milestone payment requirements if StemCells introduces an Alzheimer’s treatment to the market. San Francisco Business Times‘ “BiotechSF.”
NFL Players Criticize Bill That Would Limit Their Workers’ Comp Filings
National Football League players are lobbying against a bill that would limit out-of-state players’ ability to file for workers’ compensation in California. They argue that they are entitled to such payments because they pay taxes in the state. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Report: Doctors Support Patient Self-Tracking of Health Information
A new report finds that 70% of surveyed physicians say that at least one patient shares health measurement data with them and that nearly 75% say that patient self-tracking could lead to improved health outcomes. Clinical Innovation & Technology, Manhattan Research release.
San Mateo Court Helps Vets Struggling With Addictions
Since July 2012, San Mateo County’s Veteran’s Treatment Court has been providing additional support and treatment opportunities to convicted military veterans struggling with addictions. Veterans who successfully complete the program — which takes about 18 months to three years — can have their records expunged and fines forgiven. HealthyCal.
Senate Panel Passes Series of Bills To Help Curb Rx Drug Misuse
A Senate committee has approved several bills that aim to help reduce prescription drug misuse. One of the bills would allocate $9 million annually to upgrade California’s prescription drug monitoring system. Los Angeles Times, AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Doctor-Owned Hospitals Nabbing Bonuses Under ACA’s Quality Programs
Physician-owned hospitals have received some of the largest bonuses under the Affordable Care Act’s new quality programs even though the ACA seeks to inhibit the growth of such facilities by generally prohibiting new construction or expansion. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.