Latest California Healthline Stories
Rx Drug Coverage Will Vary Widely Among States, Analysis Finds
According to a new Avalere Health analysis, prescription drug coverage will vary nationwide as states have set different essential health benefit requirements. The report finds that California has one of the least generous coverage plans. The Hill’s “Healthwatch,” AP/Washington Times.
Dooley: Medi-Cal Transition Will Begin in Jan. Despite Concerns
Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Diana Dooley says that California will begin transitioning children from the Healthy Families program to Medi-Cal on Jan. 1, 2013, despite concerns that the plan is inadequate. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Coachella Valley Leaders To Partner With Clinton Health Initiative Staff
Coachella Valley is preparing to work with the Clinton Health Matters Initiative to develop strategies for reducing health disparities and preventable diseases. Stakeholders in the region will set goals to accomplish within the next five to seven years. HealthyCal.
Judge Blocks State Ban on Sexual Orientation Conversion Treatment
Yesterday, a U.S. district court judge temporarily blocked California from enforcing a new state law banning sexual orientation conversion treatment. The judge’s injunction will last until a lawsuit challenging the ban is resolved or a settlement is reached. Reuters et al.
APA Board of Trustees Gives Initial Approval to DSM-V
On Saturday, the American Psychiatric Association’s board of trustees announced that they have voted to grant preliminary approval to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The DSM-V — which will be published in May 2013 — could have far-reaching implications because the manual determines who qualifies for subsidized health care services, treatment programs and insurance reimbursement. MedPage Today et al.
White House Slow To Issue ACA Regulations on Mental Health Law
The Obama administration has yet to issue final rules that would enable states to enforce certain requirements related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act. The Affordable Care Act includes provisions designed to strengthen the 2008 law. Stateline/Kaiser Health News.
Supreme Court To Hear Case on Human Gene Patenting
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear a case involving patents on two genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancers to determine whether human genes can be patented. The court will decide whether isolated genes are “products of nature” or “human-made inventions,” which can be patent protected. New York Times, Wall Street Journal.
GOP Deficit Proposal Includes Tax Revenue, Changes to Medicare
The GOP counter offer to President Obama’s deficit-reduction plan includes new tax revenue, as well as a proposal to raise the Medicare eligibility age and cut benefits for high-income beneficiaries. The White House says the plan is unbalanced. Washington Post et al.
Lieu, Lee To Introduce Bills Targeting Campaign Donors
On Monday, Sens. Ted Lieu and Leland Yee announced plans to introduce two bills that would strengthen disclosure rules for not-for-profit groups that donate to state campaigns and launch mass mailings. The legislation was developed in response to an Arizona group’s $11 million donation to campaigns opposing Proposition 30 and supporting Proposition 32 in last month’s election. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Counties Question Mental Health Funding After Medi-Cal Switch
Certain county health departments are concerned about mental health services funding after children enrolled in Healthy Families transition to Medi-Cal. The counties worry that funding tied to sales tax revenue will not support mental health needs. HealthyCal.