Latest California Healthline Stories
Healthier Lifestyles Needed in S.J. Valley, Editorial Says
A Modesto Bee editorial states that although “poverty is an overriding issue” in San Joaquin Valley, “it doesn’t account for all the unhealthy people in our region,” as determined by a recent report from the Central Valley Health Policy Institute at Fresno State University. According to the editorial, the report found that the valley failed to reach 16 of 22 public health goals set by HHS. The editorial notes that the “health of valley residents has been on a decline over the past decade” and that most residents should “get much more active” and “eat healthier meals.” Modesto Bee.
Obama Administration Unveils Plan To Combat Alzheimer’s Disease
The Obama administration has announced a plan aimed at finding an effective way to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease by 2025. Officials also launched a website offering information for families and caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Many GOP Lawmakers Not Moving Forward on Health Plan Exchanges
Several Republican governors and state lawmakers are not taking steps to implement health insurance exchanges required by the health reform law. Some lawmakers say they are awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on the overhaul before moving forward. Washington Post et al.
HHS Releases Final Rule on Health Reform Law’s Premium Rebate Checks
A new final rule requires health insurers to inform consumers that their premium rebates are a result of the federal health reform law. The requirement is seen as part of an attempt by the Obama administration to boost the law’s popularity. Wall Street Journal, Time‘s “The Page.”
California Budget Deficit Has Grown to $16B, Brown Says
Gov. Brown has announced that California’s budget deficit has increased to $16 billion, significantly higher than the $9.2 billion he estimated in January. The governor plans to release his May budget revision today. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert” et al.
Personal IHSS Data Missing From Mailed Shipment, Officials Say
State officials say that personal data on In-Home Supportive Services workers and care recipients might have been compromised when microfiche containing Social Security numbers went missing from a shipment sent by mail. Los Angeles Times, AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Unions at Odds Over Bill That Would Arm Mental Hospital Police Officers
The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association supports an Assembly bill that would allow police officers at state mental hospitals to carry guns. However, the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians says the bill is potentially hazardous. Sacramento Bee.
Tobacco Tax Hike Measure Faces Uphill Battle in Calif.
While states have approved more than 100 tobacco tax hikes in the past decade, California has failed to pass such a measure despite ongoing budget woes. Because California requires a supermajority to pass tax hikes in the Legislature, tobacco tax hikes often are put the ballot. As a result, the tobacco industry is able to spend significant money fighting such measures. Proposition 29, on the June ballot, would increase the state’s tobacco sales tax by $1 per pack to fund research on smoking-related conditions such as cancer, heart disease and stroke. Sacramento Bee.
Bill Would Regulate Spending of Public Health Care Districts
The California Assembly is considering a bill that would require taxpayer-funded health care districts to spend at least 95% of their annual tax revenue on community programs and services and provide annual reports on their spending to local officials. Supporters of the bill include consumer advocacy group Health Access and Services Employees International Union California. However, the Association of California Healthcare Districts argues that the measure would hinder the ability of smaller districts to operate. California Watch.
Kaiser’s Net Income Down 16% as Capital Spending Increases
On Friday, Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and their subsidiaries reported a net income of $770 million in the first quarter of 2012, down 16% from $921 million in Q1 2011. Kaiser noted that capital spending increased from $623 million in Q1 2011 to $861 million in Q1 2012 because of investments in technology and hospital construction projects to comply with the state’s seismic standards. Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Business Times.