Latest California Healthline Stories
Consultants Recommend Creation of Specialized Prison Health Division
A report by consultants for a federal receiver overseeing California’s prison health care system recommends that the state develop a specialized division to oversee inmate care. It also says that California should maximize its federal funding for inmate care. Los Angeles Times.
CDC Finds More U.S. Children Diagnosed With ADHD
The number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has increased by 53% over the last decade, but that increase might reflect overuse of the diagnosis and its medications, according to a new CDC report. Observers say that even more children might be diagnosed with the disorder after the American Psychiatric Association releases new criteria for ADHD diagnoses in its fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. New York Times.
UCSD Study Highlights Kids’ Guided Weight-Loss Programs
Overweight or obese children are more likely to lose weight if they and their parents receive guidance from medical experts, according to a study led by UC-San Diego School of Medicine researchers. The study — published Monday in the journal Pediatrics — found that a guided self-help program helped reduce the BMI of overweight or obese children between the ages of 8 and 12 over a six-month period. U-T San Diego.
Medical Parole Notification Bill Advances in Assembly
On Tuesday, the California Assembly Public Safety Committee unanimously approved a bill that would require the state to alert county authorities and families about prisoners with severe injuries who are released on parole to local medical facilities. Gov. Brown has not taken a position on the measure, which now proceeds to the Appropriations Committee. U-T San Diego.
State Calls Anthem’s 5.2% Small Business Rate Hike ‘Excessive’
State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has criticized Anthem Blue Cross’ recent 5.2% quarterly rate hike for small businesses, which could affect about 45,000 residents. Jones also has hired Consumer Watchdog to help review rate hikes. Sacramento Bee et al.
Loophole Could Allow Insurers To Avoid ACA Mandates Through 2014
To avoid new Affordable Care Act requirements, some insurers plan to let members renew their current coverage through the end of 2014. However, Kaiser Permanente has said it will not renew policies beyond Jan. 1, 2014, in California and in most other states. Los Angeles Times.
City Officials Favor Cuts to Health Benefits Over Pensions
Officials in several California cities say that cutting back on health benefits for city workers and retirees is an easier way to scale back retirement costs than cutting pension benefits. However, workers and retirees oppose health plan changes that result in higher copayments and deductibles. San Jose Mercury News.
California Improves in Several Public Health Measures, Report Finds
A report from the state Department of Public Health finds that California has made improvements in key public health measures. According to the report, the rate of most illnesses in the state decreased between 2006 and 2011. KPCC’s “KPCC News,” Ventura County Star.
Three School-Based Wellness Centers Opening in L.A. Area
St. John’s Well Child and Family Center is opening three wellness centers on school campuses in the Los Angeles area. Jim Mangia — president and CEO of St. John’s — said that centers will provide comprehensive medical, dental and mental health care services to community residents. HealthyCal.
Vermont Is First State To Post Certain Health Plan Rates Under ACA
Vermont has published proposed rates from two health plans serving residents who will purchase individual coverage through the state’s health insurance exchange. Vermont is the first state to post such information as required by the Affordable Care Act. AP/Boston Globe et al.