Latest California Healthline Stories
Study Highlights Unneeded Breast Cancer Treatments
Over the last 30 years, more than 1.3 million women who were diagnosed with breast cancer through routine mammograms received unnecessary treatment for “abnormalities that otherwise would not have caused illness,” according to a study by the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. The study found that the women “undergo surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy for five years or more, chemotherapy, or (usually) a combination of these treatments” for such abnormalities. Medical News Today.
FDA Was Slow To Regulate Meningitis-Linked Center
FDA acted slowly to regulate the New England Compounding Center, the Massachusetts facility linked to a nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak, according to internal documents released last week. The documents show that after uncovering unsafe practices at NECC that could potentially harm individuals, FDA took 684 days to issue a warning letter. Barry Cadden — NECC co-owner and chief pharmacist — said the agency’s response time “contradicts FDA’s rhetoric regarding the asserted risks associated with our compounded products.” New York Times, Reuters.
Former L.A. Mayor Suspends Pension Reform Ballot Effort
On Monday, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan (R) suspended his campaign to put a measure to overhaul the city’s pension system on the May 2013 ballot after determining that he would not be able to collect enough voter signatures by the Dec. 28 deadline. A spokesperson for Riordan said the former mayor is assessing options for the measure, including working to put the measure on the June 2014 city ballot. Reuters.
Editorial: UC-Davis Medical School To Boost Primary Care
A Sacramento Bee editorial argues that the “UC-Davis medical school has the foundation to be the forefront of the needed transformation to improve the numbers of health professionals devoted to primary care.” It notes that “[n]early one-half of graduating medical students at UC-Davis choose their three-year postgraduate training residencies in primary care, while nationally the figure is less than 20%.” Sacramento Bee.
Many Unaware of New Coverage Options Under Health Care Reform Law
Many low-income U.S. residents are unaware of subsidies that could help them buy health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Experts say the ACA will not be successful without a large-scale campaign to boost awareness of the subsidies. Washington Post‘s “Wonkblog.”
Care Access in Medicaid Similar to Private Insurance
Medicaid beneficiaries’ access to medical care is comparable to individuals with private insurance, despite the fact that the program reimburses physicians at a lower rate, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office. The report found that between 2008 and 2009, 3.7% of Medicaid beneficiaries had difficulty accessing medical care, compared with 3.0% of people with private coverage and 10.4% of uninsured individuals. Washington Post‘s “Wonkblog.”
Lawsuit Alleges Insurer Misled Calif. Couple About Coverage
A trial begins Wednesday over allegations that HealthMarkets knowingly misrepresented the benefits of a health plan to a California couple. The case highlights difficulties that many policyholders have in understanding coverage details. Los Angeles Times.
States Should Move Forward on ACA, Editorial Argues
A San Francisco Chronicle editorial argues that although the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and President Obama was re-elected, the law still could face implementation issues in states where Republican governors “are uncertain or outright hostile” toward the law. The editorial concludes, “Health coverage for the uninsured won in the courts and on the presidential ballot. It’s time to put it in practice and not delay any longer.” San Francisco Chronicle.
Budget Talks Progressing Slowly; Boehner Calls for ACA To Be ‘On the Table’
Negotiators have made little progress to avoid cuts to Medicare provider payments and other spending reductions under sequestration. Meanwhile, House Speaker John Boehner is calling for the Affordable Care Act to be “on the table” during budget talks. Wall Street Journal et al.
Birth Rate in California Reaches Record Low, Many Experts Say
In 2010, there were 63 births per 1,000 California women, down from 75.5 births per 1,000 women in 1995. Experts say the 2010 birth rate is the state’s lowest ever. Data show Calaveras, San Francisco, Sierra and Trinity counties had the lowest 2010 birth rates. San Francisco Chronicle.