Latest California Healthline Stories
Ventura County Human Services Seeks To Hire Additional Staff
Ventura County Human Services Agency Director Barry Zimmerman is seeking authorization from the county Board of Supervisors to hire 61 new staff members, most of whom would oversee applications for Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. Zimmerman said approval would reduce burdens on employees and allow staff members to continue delivering quality services. Ventura County Star.
Report Predicts Rise in Use of Telehealth Technology
The number of U.S. residents using telehealth services is expected to reach nearly 1.3 million by 2017, a nearly sixfold increase over 2012 rates, according to a report by IMS Research. The report predicted that revenue from U.S. telehealth services would increase from $174.5 million in 2012 to $707.9 million in 2017. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Union Election at Kaiser Permanente Set for April 5
The National Labor Relations Board has set April 5 as the union election date for 45,000 Kaiser Permanente employees. Kaiser employees have an April 29 deadline to cast their votes by mail, and NLRB officials are scheduled to begin tabulating ballots on May 1. Modern Healthcare.
Experts Unsure of Reasons for Decline in Health Cost Growth
A consistent and sharp decline in the growth of health care costs in recent years has helped reduce the federal deficit, but health care economists say they are unsure of the reasons for the decline or how long the slowdown might last. Observers suggest that changes in health care delivery practices might have played a role in the decline, such as new provider reimbursement parameters and efforts to reduce wasteful treatments. New York Times.
Questions Linger About Implementing ACA’s Medicaid Expansion
Although the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion is set to take effect in less than one year, several questions remain about its cost, whether it will exacerbate a physician shortage and whether states will cooperate with the federal plan. Sacramento Bee, Kaiser Health News.
State To Provide Cost Estimates for Health Benefit Exchange Plans
Today, California officials plan to launch a website that provides cost information on health plans offered through the state health exchange. The website will include estimates for monthly premiums and copayments, among other pricing data. Los Angeles Times.
Editorial Says Stem Cell Agency Following IOM’s Guidance
A San Jose Mercury News editorial argues that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine is following the recommendations of a December 2012 Institute of Medicine report, noting that CIRM Chair Jonathan Thomas “is improving transparency and public accountability, which will enable the institute to look beyond Proposition 71 funding toward its next phase.” San Jose Mercury News.
Obama’s State of the Union Address Touches on Health Care Issues
During his State of the Union address yesterday, President Obama noted that health care costs are a major driver of U.S. debt but did not offer new proposals to address the issue. Obama also discussed modest reforms to curb entitlement spending. The Hill et al.
Calif. Launching Rental Assistance Program for People With Disabilities
State officials are launching a program that aims to provide rental assistance to Californians with disabilities who are leaving long-term care facilities. To receive assistance, individuals must qualify for long-term care services under Medi-Cal. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now,” DHCS release.
Obama No Longer Open to Raising Medicare Age To Avoid Sequestration
An Obama administration official says the president will not support raising Medicare’s eligibility age as part of a deal to avoid cuts under sequestration, despite previously being open to the strategy. Experts say that the plan would increase federal health spending. AP/Modern Healthcare et al.