Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Frist: Flexibility Needed in ACA’s Medicaid Expansion
In a Politico opinion piece, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist argues that a state’s “decision not to expand Medicaid leaves glaring inequities in coverage that [the Affordable Care Act] was intended to eliminate.” He concludes that “if the Obama administration wants to entice more states into broadening coverage, it needs to accept that premium assistance will continue to be a growing segment of the Medicaid program.” Politico.
Covered California Selects Fresno for 3rd Call Center Site
On Thursday, Covered California — the state’s health insurance exchange — announced that Fresno will be the site of one of three statewide call centers. Efforts already are underway to fill an estimated 500 jobs at the call center. The other two call centers will be located in Contra Costa and Sacramento counties. Fresno Bee.
Study Finds Drop in Work-Based Coverage in California
A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation study released last week found that 53% of Californians had employer-sponsored health insurance in 2011, down from 62% of state residents in 2000. During the same period, the percentage of private-sector companies in the state offering health benefits declined from 57% to 52%. Meanwhile, annual family coverage premiums increased by 146% over the same time period. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.”
Nevada Sends Hundreds of Mentally Ill Patients to California, Other States
A review by the Sacramento Bee finds that hundreds of patients of Nevada’s primary mental health hospital have been sent by bus to California and other states in recent years. California officials say the practice is not permissible and raises safety concerns. Sacramento Bee.
Pérez Stumps for Bill To Boost Access to Medical Interpreters
In a Sacramento Bee opinion piece, Assembly Speaker John Pérez stumps for a bill would “develop a more comprehensive language assistance program by seeking additional federal funding for medical interpreter services through the Medi-Cal program.” He argues, “Having more trained and professional interpreters through the Medi-Cal system will save lives of Californians with limited English proficiency” and will reduce “costs to the state.” Sacramento Bee.
Report Finds Improved Access to Dental Care for Medi-Cal Kids
A state report finds that a higher rate of Sacramento and Los Angeles children enrolled in Medi-Cal received dental treatment in 2012 than in 2011. However, an advisory committee still is concerned about dental care access in those areas. Sacramento Bee.
Lawmakers Question Role of Navigators in Health Plan Exchanges
House Republicans have sent a letter asking HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for more details on the role that navigators will play in state health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act and how grants for the navigators will be funded. The Hill‘s “RegWatch,” CQ HealthBeat.
Obama Discusses Health Exchanges, Premiums With Insurance Leaders
Last week, President Obama met with insurance industry executives to coordinate health exchange implementation and discuss ways to control premium rates. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the exchanges likely will be ready on time. New York Times et al.
Group Offers Free Vaccines To Curb Spread of Meningitis
In response to concerns about a potential outbreak of bacterial meningitis among men who have sex with men, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation on Sunday announced that it will offer no-cost vaccines in an effort to combat the spread of the disease. Over the weekend, a West Hollywood man died after contracting the disease. Los Angeles Times et al.
Study: Health Care Costs Higher for Young Adults Newly Covered by ACA
An Employee Benefits Research Institute study finds that young adults who enrolled in a parent’s health plan after an Affordable Care Act mandate took effect incurred higher health care costs than those who already were covered by a parent’s plan. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.