Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial Questions L.A. Pension Reform Proposal
A Los Angeles Times editorial notes that a proposal under review by the Los Angeles City Council would seek “a sharp rollback in pensions for newly hired employees, offering them lower benefits with less financial help from the city,” adding that the proposal “wouldn’t touch current employees’ benefits.” However, it argues that “if the city’s pension benefits aren’t sustainable, it doesn’t make sense to offer them to the next generation of employees.” Los Angeles Times.
ACA Requirement for Health Plan Summaries Takes Effect
On Monday, HHS touted the implementation of a provision in the Affordable Care Act that requires insurers to provide members with an easy-to-understand summary of benefits and out-of-pocket costs of their health plans. The summaries now are available for consumers in the individual health insurance market and will be made available to those in group health plans during their next open enrollment period. Modern Healthcare, Reuters.
Lawmakers Debate Reform Law’s Effect on MA Plans
At a hearing on Friday, House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chair Wally Herger (R-Calif.) argued that the Affordable Care Act’s $300 billion in cuts over the next decade will force many insurers out of the Medicare Advantage program and leave beneficiaries with additional costs. Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) criticized the GOP for trying to take advantage of the situation, noting that Republicans have voted for the same amount of cuts in House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) budget proposal for the past two years. MedPage Today, Politico.
More Voters Oppose Plan To Change State Budget Process
California voters by a 2-to-1 margin oppose a proposed constitutional amendment — listed as Proposition 31 on the November ballot — that would alter the state’s budget process, according to the latest Field Poll on the measure. The amendment would implement a two-year, performance-based budgeting process and grant the governor greater power to reduce spending during a fiscal emergency. Sacramento Bee.
Tulare County Approves Premium Hike for Employees
On Tuesday, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors approved a recommended health insurance premium increase of 4.9% for most county workers. The increase would require county workers with no dependents on a zero-deductible PPO by Anthem to pay nearly $33 more monthly and families on the same plan to pay slightly less than $100 more monthly. Fresno County supervisors are expected to approve the same rate increase for Fresno county workers next week. Visalia Times-Delta.
Judge Eases Federal Oversight of State Mental Health Hospitals
A federal judge released California’s public mental health hospitals from most of the federal oversight that was imposed in 2006. However, the judge called for continued monitoring of one compliance issue at Napa State Hospital. Los Angeles Times.
Report Offers Strategies for Improving State Rx Monitoring Programs
A report funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts calls for states to improve their prescription drug monitoring programs in various ways, such as by collecting real-time prescribing information and sharing such data across state lines. MedPage Today, Modern Healthcare.
Health Costs Rising for Adults With Job-Based Coverage, Study Finds
A Health Care Cost Institute study finds that among U.S. adults under age 65 with job-based health coverage, per capita health care spending increased by 4.6% in 2011. The study notes that prices rose for all major categories of health care. Modern Healthcare, CQ HealthBeat.
Editorial: Flu Shot, Masks for Health Workers Are Necessary
A San Jose Mercury News editorial questions a union’s objections to requiring health care workers in Santa Clara and Contra Costa counties to either “get a flu shot or wear a mask at work during the flu season.” According to the union, masks are ineffective and would stigmatize employees, but the editorial notes that CDC still recommends the practice. It concludes, “Given the deadliness of influenza, asking health care workers to get a shot or wear a mask just seems like common sense.” San Jose Mercury News.
Editorial Praises City Adoption of Policies for Healthy Living
A Santa Maria Times editorial notes that the Lompoc City Council “took a step last week that every community should take” by unanimously approving the Healthy Eating and Active Living campaign, “a 32-point policy to encourage good health” for city residents. According to the editorial, the program “has already been adopted by 135 cities across California.” It adds, “Making health issues and concerns an integral part of local government’s planning policies only makes sense.” Santa Maria Times.