Latest California Healthline Stories
Labor, Business Reps Debate Tax Hike Ballot Measures
During a televised debate on Thursday, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez and Paul Robinson, co-chair of the Lincoln Club’s legislative affairs committee, discussed how Proposition 30 — a tax-hike ballot measure developed by Gov. Brown and supporters of the “Millionaires Tax” — and Proposition 38 — a rival tax hike plan by attorney Molly Munger — might affect California. U-T San Diego.
New L.A. County Campaign Targets Rising Obesity Rates
On Thursday, Los Angeles county officials launched a public health campaign, called “Choose Less, Weigh Less,” to target the county’s rising obesity rate and raise awareness about the importance of portion control and limiting calorie intake. Officials said the obesity epidemic is costing the county $6 billion annually in lost productivity and health care expenses. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
State Honors Kaiser, Western Health for Care Standards
This week, the California Department of Managed Health Care recognized Western Health Advantage and Kaiser Permanente for meeting care standards under the department’s Right Care Initiative. Kaiser won an award for outstanding performance in heart attack and stroke prevention, while Western Health received an award for best network model performance in heart attack and stroke prevention. Sacramento Business Journal.
Obama, Romney Trade Barbs Over Health Care Issues in First Debate
During last night’s presidential debate in Denver, President Obama touted the benefits of the Affordable Care Act, while Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney reiterated his pledge to repeal the law. The candidates also sparred over changes to Medicare. Reuters et al.
CalPERS Weighs 75% Premium Increase for Long-Term Care
CalPERS is considering a 75% premium rate hike for most of its long-term care beneficiaries, which would be its largest rate increase to date. The agency might offer a less-comprehensive policy as a cheaper alternative. Sacramento Bee.
Irvine’s Allergan Drops Bid To Market Lap-Band to Teens
Irvine-based Allergan has withdrawn its application for FDA approval to market its Lap-Band weight-loss device to adolescents as young as 14, citing a routine evaluation of business priorities. Health experts and patient safety advocates have said that there is not enough data on the long-term safety and effectiveness of the device, especially among young patients. Los Angeles Times.
Health Costs at Larger Companies in Bay Area Up 7.4%, Report Finds
An Aon Hewitt report finds that health care costs at larger companies in the San Francisco Bay Area have increased by 7.4% this year, tying it for the highest rate of increase in the U.S. According to the report, such costs likely will increase by 6.7% in the region next year. San Francisco Business Times.
Proposition 30 Campaign Launches Television Ads Promoting Measure
The campaign for Proposition 30, a compromise tax hike plan by Gov. Brown and supporters of the “Millionaires Tax,” has launched a series of television advertisements promoting the measure. Critics of Prop. 30 say the ads make false claims. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Blue Shield, Entrepreneur Partner on IT Project for ACO
On Tuesday, Blue Shield of California and NantWorks — an information technology company founded by former UCLA surgeon Patrick Soon-Shiong — announced a partnership to provide IT services for a new accountable care organization. The ACO will include Access Medical Group in Marina del Rey and St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.,” Modern Healthcare.
Nurse-Ratio Penalty Rules Expected in 2013, DPH Says
On Tuesday, state Department of Public Health spokesperson Ralph Montano said he expects the agency to complete in 2013 regulations on administrative penalties for violations of the state’s nurse-to-patient ratio law. The rules are six years overdue. Last week, Gov. Brown vetoed a bill, by Senate Health Committee Chair Ed Hernandez, that would have eliminated a requirement that DPH issue the regulations, but require the department to check for compliance during routine hospital checks. Sacramento Business Journal.