Latest California Healthline Stories
Poll Finds That Rural Californians Consider Obesity a Serious Issue
A poll finds that a majority of rural California voters say that obesity is a problem in their communities. In addition, more than 80% of respondents say that government spending on public health helps prevent diseases and curbs health care costs. AP/HealthyCal, Public Health Institute poll.
Physicians, Groups Seek Final Physician Payment Rule
AARP, AFL-CIO, the Healthcare Supply Chain Association and several physicians are among the groups urging the Obama administration to issue a final rule on the Affordable Care Act’s Physician Payment Sunshine Act. The act calls for the creation of a database to disclose gifts and other payments that medical industry companies give to physicians. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Sonoma Disability Care Center To Lose Federal Funds
On Friday, the California Department of Developmental Services said it voluntarily terminated the Medicaid certification of four residential units at the Sonoma Developmental Center, the state’s largest board-and-care facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. The decision, which causes the center to forfeit more than $1 million in monthly federal funds, came after state regulators cited the facility for resident health and safety standard violations. California Watch.
Court Rules Ballot Measure Maneuver Unconstitutional
On Friday, California’s 3rd District Court of Appeals ruled that the Legislature acted unconstitutionally in approving a bill that grants ballot order priority to signature-based constitutional amendment proposals like Proposition 30, the November 2012 voter-approved tax hike initiative proposed by Gov. Brown. While the court’s ruling does not affect the outcome of Prop. 30, it could limit the Legislature’s use of “spot bills” in budget packages. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
ACA Penalty for Lacking Health Coverage Will Be Effective, Analysis Says
An analysis finds that the federal penalty for not buying health insurance under the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate will be high enough to be effective. The analysis examines the effectiveness of a similar penalty enacted in Massachusetts. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Federal Report Says Calif. Not Ready To Manage Prison Health
A federal report states that California is not ready to regain oversight of its prison health care system. It states that dozens of inmates have committed suicide and some prisoners with mental illnesses were put in isolation units for long periods. New York Times et al.
Calif. Health Exchange Board Outlines Agenda Prior to 2014 Launch
California health benefit exchange officials have outlined an agenda for operations ahead of a January 2014 launch. The agenda includes developing seven geographical exchanges, hiring translators fluent in 13 languages and creating a Web portal with federal funding. Sacramento Bee.
California Sees Widespread Illnesses, Deaths From Flu
On Friday, California health officials said that flu activity is widespread throughout the state and that there have been six flu-related deaths so far. A state Department of Public Health epidemiologist said that flu activity has peaked ahead of schedule, noting that the disease typically peaks in late February or March. AP/KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Obama Vows To Protect Entitlement Programs in Inauguration Speech
During his inauguration speech yesterday, President Obama reiterated his goal to reduce rising health care costs without cutting benefits for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Obama did not directly mention the Affordable Care Act in his speech. Modern Healthcare et al.
Report Finds State Facing Dental Crisis for Medi-Cal Children
A new report finds that California does not have enough dentists who are willing to accept Medi-Cal beneficiaries, as the state prepares to transition nearly one million children to Medi-Cal dental programs. KPCC’s “KPCC News,” The Children’s Partnership release.