Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial: State ‘Should Try Again’ To Pass Tobacco Tax
A report by the California Department of Public Health “provides troubling data on youth smoking that suggests nearly a quarter-century of reduction in tobacco usage might be ending,” according to a San Jose Mercury News editorial. The editorial argues that “tobacco taxes discourage consumption” and that supporters of such taxes “should try again” to pass a cigarette tax hike in California. San Jose Mercury News.
Obama Signs Measure To Avert Fiscal Cliff, Delay Medicare Cuts
On Wednesday, President Obama signed legislation to avert the fiscal cliff. The measure also delays for one year a 26.5% reduction to Medicare physician reimbursements in part by cutting Medicare and Medicaid payments to hospitals. Wall Street Journal et al.
Task Force Releases 10-Year Strategy for Improving State Health
A state task force has issued a report that establishes a 10-year plan to improve residents’ health and cut health care spending. The report’s goals include reducing the state’s overall rate of uninsured residents and boosting end-of-life care. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.
Largely Overlooked ACA Fee Set To Take Effect in 2014
The Affordable Care Act includes a largely overlooked fee on employers for the coverage of workers with pre-existing conditions that could cost some of the largest U.S. businesses tens of millions of dollars, according to certain employers. A portion of the fee — which will start at $63 per employee in 2014 and decline over a three-year period — could be passed on to workers, the employers said. AP/Washington Times.
Appeals Court Rules Calif. Can Reduce Medi-Cal Rates by 10%
A federal appeals court has ruled that California can reduce Medi-Cal payments to health care providers by 10%. Critics say the ruling might drive providers out of Medi-Cal, while others say it will help reduce the state’s budget deficit. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert” et al.
Federal Government To Operate Most Health Exchanges, Study Finds
An Avalere Health analysis finds that the federal government will operate health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act in a majority of states. According to Avalere, only 17 states have committed to running their own exchanges. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Calif. COPD Cases Cross Many Demographics, Study Finds
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects more than one million California residents, a large proportion of whom live in the Los Angeles and San Diego regions, according to a new UCLA Center for Health Policy Research study. The study also found that the disease crosses educational, cultural and other demographic lines throughout the state. Payers & Providers.
USDA Proposes Changes to School Lunch Guidelines
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed changes to guidelines for government-subsidized school lunches following criticisms that the standards left some children hungry. Under the revisions, USDA will suspend daily and weekly limits for grains and meat or meat alternatives, allowing schools to serve larger portions without facing a penalty. Reuters.
Walgreens To Pay $16.5M for Improper Disposal Practices
On Thursday, an Alameda County Superior Court judge ordered Walgreens to pay $16.57 million to settle allegations that hundreds of its stores violated environmental and privacy regulations by improperly disposing of hazardous waste and confidential customer records. Forty-five district attorney offices, including five in California, will receive money from the settlement. Bay City News Service/San Jose Mercury News et al.
Report: Youth Smoking Rates Down, Smokeless Tobacco Use Rising
A Department of Public Health report finds that although fewer high school students are smoking, more of them are using smokeless tobacco products. According to the report, sales of such products increased from $77.1 million in 2001 to $210.9 million in 2011. Sacramento Bee et al.