Latest California Healthline Stories
Medicare Advantage Bonus Payment System Is Effective, Reports Find
A new Avalere Health report finds that the average rating for a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage in 2013 increased. Meanwhile, a Commonwealth Fund report shows that the MA bonus payment program boosted care quality and reduced overpayments. Bloomberg Businessweek et al.
CalPERS Committee OKs 85% Rate Hike for Most Long-Term Care Policies
Yesterday, CalPERS’ pension and health benefits committee unanimously voted to raise premiums by 85% for about three-quarters of its long-term care enrollees. The full CalPERS board is scheduled to vote today on whether to ratify the rate hike decision. Sacramento Bee.
Study: Premium-Support Model Would Raise Costs for Medicare Enrollees
A Kaiser Family Foundation study finds that if Medicare had been a premium-support program in 2010, about six in 10 beneficiaries in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage would have faced higher premiums unless they changed plans. Washington Post‘s “Wonkblog” et al.
Medical Societies Outline Sustainable Growth Rate Replacement Proposal
Yesterday, the American Medical Association and more than 100 state and specialty medical societies sent a letter to lawmakers outlining strategies to eliminate the sustainable growth rate formula and transition to a higher performing Medicare program. Modern Healthcare et al.
Feinstein Challenger Is ACA Opponent, Autism Activist
Elizabeth Emken — a longtime Contra Costa County-based autism research activist and lobbyist — is challenging U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein in next month’s elections. Despite lobbying for several provisions in the Affordable Care Act that benefit individuals with autism, Emken has said that she wants to repeal the ACA and address health care issues through tax reforms. Los Angeles Times.
Calif.’s Response to Pertussis Epidemic Proves Successful
California’s response to the 2010 epidemic of pertussis, or whooping cough — which resulted in 10 infant deaths and sickened about 9,000 residents statewide — could be a model for the rest of the country. The state launched a large-scale public information campaign to warn residents about the epidemic and encourage them to get vaccinated, raised awareness about symptoms among physicians and clinics to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment and used federal funds to offer no-cost vaccines to local health departments and hospitals. HealthyCal.
Retiree Health Plans a Target for Budget-Strapped Cities
A growing number of local governments in California and other states are reducing or eliminating retiree health benefits for public workers as a strategy to overcome budget shortfalls. Retiree health plans often are costly, significantly underfunded and do not have strong legal protections that prevent changes to benefits. Reuters.
State Workers Receiving Large Payouts for Unused Vacation
A San Jose Mercury News analysis finds that retiring state employees are racking up hundreds of millions of dollars in payouts for unused vacation days. Many of the largest payouts went to workers with vital jobs, like prison doctors. San Jose Mercury News.
OSHPD Launches Online Database About Health Care Workforce Trends
A new database from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development offers information about California’s health care workforce. It includes wage data, projected annual job openings and information about training programs. Sacramento Business Journal, U-T San Diego.
L.A. County To Vote on Adult Film Condom Mandate
Next month, Los Angeles County voters will vote on Measure B, which would direct the county’s health department to require all actors in adult films produced in the county to use condoms. The measure — which would mirror a Los Angeles city ordinance — also would require adult film studios and producers to obtain health permits. Permit fees would offset the cost of random health inspections of the studios. KQED’s “The California Report.”