Latest California Healthline Stories
Petaluma Health Consortium Leads Mobile Health App Pilot
Redwood Community Health Coalition — a Petaluma-based group of federally qualified health centers across North Bay — is the first participant in a pilot project to test One-e-App, the mobile version of an online enrollment system for Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and other public assistance programs. Officials said the convergence of mobile technology and health care will help improve access to care for underserved individuals. North Bay Business Journal.
Rates of Chronic Disease Rising Among Medicare Beneficiaries, AHA Finds
A new American Hospital Association study finds that rates of chronic disease among Medicare beneficiaries are rising. AHA says the study indicates that hospitals should receive higher Medicare payments to account for sicker beneficiaries. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Rise in Health Insurance Costs Outpacing Income Growth, Report Finds
From 2003 to 2011, the rise in health insurance premiums outpaced income growth for many U.S. workers, according to a Commonwealth Fund report. The report states that the Affordable Care Act is starting to address rising health care costs. Modern Healthcare, CQ HealthBeat.
Deficit-Reduction Plan Starting to Take Shape, but Deal Still Elusive
According to senior aides, Republican and Democratic lawmakers are inching closer to a plan to avert mandated cuts under sequestration. However, the negotiations could break down because of disagreement over tax hikes and entitlement program cuts. Washington Post et al.
HHS: Affordable Care Act Does Not Permit Partial Expansions of Medicaid
Yesterday, HHS issued guidance telling governors that the Affordable Care Act does not allow for a partial Medicaid expansion. However, HHS said it will consider partial waiver requests beginning in 2017, when federal payments start to decline. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Study Finds Gap in Hospitals’ Health Reform Preparedness
New research from the Center for Studying Health System Change finds that San Francisco-area hospitals are preparing for health reform implementation, while facilities in the less-affluent Fresno area are not as prepared. FierceHealthcare, HSC release.
Bondholders File Protest Against CalPERS in San Bernardino Bankruptcy
San Bernardino’s bondholders have filed a legal protest against CalPERS, accusing the pension fund of seeking special treatment to sue the city for missed payments. Since August, San Bernardino has withheld $6.9 million worth of CalPERS payments. Sacramento Bee.
L.A. Officials Mulling LAFD Staffing Changes To Cut Costs
On Tuesday, Los Angeles city officials are scheduled to discuss a proposal that would move Fire Department dispatchers from 24-hour shifts to a regular eight-hour workday, which could save the city $3.2 million in overtime pay. The proposal is backed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the City Council and Fire Chief Brian Cummings, but the city’s call center commander warned in June that implementing the staffing changes before an overhaul of the center’s computer system is complete could jeopardize public safety. Los Angeles Times.
Sutter Health Consolidating Billing, Records Systems
Sutter Health is consolidating its medical records and billing computer systems in an effort to boost administrative efficiency and expand patients’ access to online health service tools. In a recent memo, the health system warned patients that they might encounter some delays at physician offices this month as a result of the project. Sacramento Business Journal.
Anthem Blue Cross To Launch Care Coordination Program
Anthem Blue Cross plans to expand its accountable care network with a care coordination program for fully insured PPOs at Cedars-Sinai Medical Care Foundation, Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Torrance Memorial Integrated Physicians. According to Anthem, it also will implement the program at 20 other health care providers that have not yet been announced. The program will allow physicians, nurses and other providers to coordinate care for patients with chronic illnesses. Modern Physician.