Latest California Healthline Stories
Kaiser Permanente Study Finds PHR Users More Likely To Stay Members
A new report by Kaiser Permanente finds that members were nearly 2.6 times more likely to stay with the health system if they used a no-cost personal health record. The report finds that email and viewing lab results are the two most popular PHR features. Modern Healthcare.
FDA Warns Second S. Calif. Company About Lap-Band Ads
On June 25, FDA sent a letter to Southern California-based Lap-Band VIP, warning the company to change its misleading billboard and television marketing or face disciplinary action. In December 2011, FDA made similar allegations against 1-800-GET-THIN, which agreed to rescind most of its ads earlier this year. Los Angeles Times.
Mental Health Law’s Funding Not Being Used as Intended
The 2004 Mental Health Services Act — known as Proposition 63 — was designed to direct 20% of California’s tax revenues to mental health programs, but an Associated Press review of the state’s 58 counties found that the funds are being spent for wellness programs that have little or no connection to mental health. Some advocates are calling on the Legislature to redirect the funds to treatment programs. AP/Los Angeles Daily News.
Calif. Democratic Party Endorses Gov. Brown’s Tax Hike Initiative
The California Democratic Party officially has endorsed a compromise tax hike initiative developed by Gov. Brown and backers of the “Millionaires Tax.” The board also voted to oppose a rival tax hike plan by civil rights attorney Molly Munger. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Appeals Court Upholds Advertising Restrictions for Tobacco Companies
A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling banning Philip Morris USA from making misleading statements about its tobacco products. The court rejected Philip Morris’ argument that a new law made the earlier advertising restrictions redundant. Wall Street Journal, Reuters.
Blue Shield Wellness Program Cuts Costs for Workers
In 2011, about 3,300 Blue Shield of California employees who participated in the company’s wellness program saved a total of $3 million on health insurance benefits. The workers earned health benefit discounts ranging from $500 to $1,200. In addition, about 2,500 workers earned a day off through a wellness initiative involving social networking. Sacramento Business Journal.
Health District OKs $4.6M for San Mateo County Program
On Thursday, the Peninsula Health Care District approved $4.6 million in funding for a San Mateo County program to provide subsidized health care to low-income, uninsured residents. The district approved the grant after state and local lawmakers criticized officials for not providing adequate funds for local health programs. Bay Citizen.
Sacramento To See Surge in Health Care Employment
Sacramento’s booming medical industry is poised to grow even more once major provisions of the federal health reform law are implemented in 2014. Observers say health care hiring will increase to meet the demands of caring for millions of newly insured residents. Sacramento Bee.
Review Finds $2.3B Discrepancy in Calif. Special Fund Accounts
A new review of special fund figures reported by the state Department of Finance and the controller’s office finds a $2.3 billion discrepancy. The discrepancies include $30 million in a low-cost children’s health insurance fund. AP/Sacramento Bee et al.
Health Reform Law Could Worsen Doctor Shortage, Experts Say
U.S. residents who gain coverage under the health reform law might have trouble accessing care because of a looming physician shortage. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of about 62,900 U.S. doctors in 2015. New York Times, Los Angeles Times.