Latest California Healthline Stories
61% of Businesses Expect Reform Law To Increase Their Costs, Survey Says
A Mercer survey finds that 61% of businesses expect to pay more for workers’ health coverage when the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented in 2014. The retail and hospitality industries are expected to face the largest cost increases. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.” et al.
Assembly Members Seek Audit of State’s Use of Mental Health Funding
Two state Assembly members have requested an audit of how the state is using mental health funding generated by Proposition 63. A recent investigation found that millions of dollars are being used to aid residents who have not been diagnosed with a mental illness. AP/U-T San Diego.
Counties Want Walgreen To Comply With Waste Laws
On Monday, prosecutors from 35 California counties asked a judge to order Walgreen to comply immediately with state and environmental laws on handling hazardous waste. The move follows a lawsuit filed June 18 that alleges that the company let staff at hundreds of stores across the state dump bleach, pharmaceuticals and other hazardous waste in regular trash bins to reduce costs. The company said in a quarterly report that it is working with state and local officials to resolve the issue. AP/Sacramento Bee, Oakland Tribune/San Jose Mercury News.
Study: EHRs Could Help Physicians Decide When To Prescribe Antibiotics
An Annals of Internal Medicine study finds that using electronic health record systems for disease surveillance could help physicians decide when to prescribe antibiotics. The study notes that doctors prescribed fewer antibiotics during influenza “pandemic” periods. Reuters.
Opinion: Basic Health Plan Bill Threatens Reform in Calif.
In a San Jose Mercury News opinion piece, Micah Weinberg, a senior policy adviser at the Bay Area Council, argues that state legislation to create a Basic Health Plan “poses a grave threat to the California Health Benefit Exchange, which is the linchpin of federal health care reform.” He concludes, “The Basic Health Plan is not the right choice for California. Let the new markets created by the federal health reforms for insurance work.” San Jose Mercury News.
Kaiser Permanente Doles Out $610K in Community Grants
On Monday, Kaiser Permanente officials announced that it will provide $610,000 in community benefits grants to 47 San Mateo County not-for-profit organizations. Recipients of the grants — which range from $5,000 to $35,000 — include health and trauma organizations. San Francisco Business Times.
Safety-Net Hospitals Must Overcome Fiscal Challenges, Studies Say
A Commonwealth Fund study finds that safety-net hospitals often face financial risk in a weak economy. A separate Urban Institute study finds that health information technology and care integration could boost safety-net hospitals’ care quality. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” CQ HealthBeat.
HHS Releases New Rule To Facilitate Electronic Health Care Transactions
Yesterday, HHS issued an interim final rule to make it easier for health care providers to accept electronic payments. The rule, along with standards adopted earlier this year, is expected to generate as much as $9 billion in savings over a decade. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Inspectors Say Air Quality OK After Chevron Refinery Fire
Following the Chevron refinery fire in Richmond on Monday, officials said that levels of potentially toxic air pollutants are “not a significant health concern” and are “significantly below federal health standards.” Meanwhile, hundreds of people have been treated at area emergency departments with symptoms that appear to be related to the fire. San Francisco Chronicle. KQED’s “State of Health.”
HCA Posts Strong Profits at California Hospitals Amid Federal Scrutiny
HCA Holdings, which is under scrutiny for allegedly performing unnecessary surgeries, has posted strong profits recently at its three California hospitals. An investigation found that the procedures increased HCA’s profits. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.,” et al.