Latest California Healthline Stories
California’s January Revenue $4.3B Higher Than Estimates
In his monthly budget statement issued Friday, State Controller John Chiang said California’s tax revenue for January exceeded estimates in Gov. Brown’s fiscal year 2013-2014 budget proposal by $4.3 billion, in part because of higher-than-expected personal income taxes. However, he warned that “given our state’s troubled history with boom-or-bust revenue cycles, this good news must be tempered with increased fiscal discipline in how we interpret and budget January’s collections.” Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
New Rules Meant To Reduce Use of Chemicals Linked to Health Risks
Gov. Brown has proposed changes to certain flammability requirements that are meant to reduce the use of chemical flame retardants associated with health risks. Studies have found higher levels of the chemicals in the bodies of toddlers and nursing mothers. Los Angeles Times.
Updated Mental Health Parity Rules Expected This Month
This month, the Obama administration is expected to issue rules outlining the type of mental health coverage insurers must provide under the Affordable Care Act. After the mass shooting in Connecticut in December 2012, President Obama promised that his administration would release new rules that build on the 2008 mental health parity law. USA Today.
Report Finds Amount of Toxic Emissions in Calif. Grew by 10% in 2011
A report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds that the amount of toxic chemicals released by California manufacturing plants and facilities into the environment increased by 10% from 2010 to 2011. However, the report finds a 13% decrease in air pollution in the state. Sacramento Bee.
San Diego Hospice Files for Bankruptcy Protection
San Diego Hospice has filed for bankruptcy protection amid an ongoing federal probe into its care delivery practices. Scripps Health — which recently acquired a small local hospice — has offered to provide hospice care to San Diego Hospice residents who need it. Kaiser Health News.
State Considers Changing Non-Physicians’ Scope of Practice
In an effort to address a shortage of physicians to care for patients who will obtain health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, state lawmakers are weighing proposals that would expand the scope of practice for non-physicians. Los Angeles Times.
Businesses Urge States To Participate in ACA’s Medicaid Expansion
State lawmakers around the U.S. are receiving pressure from businesses to participate in the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. Firms say that failing to partake in the expansion would shift insurance coverage costs from the federal government to employers. Wall Street Journal.
Monterey County To Open Integrated Health Care Center
In April, Monterey County plans to open a three-facility integrated behavioral health care center to provide patients with convenient access to mental health services, primary care and healthy lifestyle management services. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will provide $400,000 a year over the next four years to support the center. HealthyCal.
Blue Shield Touts Cost-Saving Initiatives in CalPERS Contract
In an effort to keep its contract with CalPERS, Blue Shield of California is touting its success in saving the organization nearly $1 billion over the past eight years through a series of cost-saving plans. Last year, CalPERS issued a request for information to measure industry interest to compete for business in its health benefits program. Sacramento Business Journal.
HHS Delays Basic Health Plan Implementation Until 2015
On Wednesday, the Obama administration announced that implementation of the Basic Health Program — created by the Affordable Care Act to help low- and moderate-income families who do not qualify for Medicaid gain coverage — has been delayed until 2015. HHS said it does not have enough time to issue the guidelines necessary to launch the program in 2014, as scheduled under the ACA. Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules.”