Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Improvements Small in Central Valley, Report Says
Over the past decade, the health of residents in eight Central Valley counties has improved slightly by some measures but worsened by others, according to a Healthy People 2010 report released Monday by the Central Valley Health Policy Institute at Fresno State University. According to the report, the region met national standards for six public health goals but failed to meet 16 other goals. Findings show that many adults in the area are overweight and obese, while many adolescents do not get enough exercise. Fresno Bee.
Report: Mental Health Strides Made in San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County has delivered improved mental health services to residents since the passage of California’s 2004 Mental Health Services Act, according to a summary report presented to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday. According to the report — presented by Behavioral Health Services Director Vic Singh and a private consultant — the county had a 77% reduction in psychiatric hospitalizations for mental health conditions in 2011. Stockton Record.
Legislation Would Help Credit Ratings Sunk by Medical Debt
Congress is considering legislation that would aid consumers who have low credit scores as a result of issues related to medical bills and medical debt. Collection agencies are allowed to keep records of medical debt on file for seven years, but the Senate bill would require those debts to be scrubbed within 45 days of being settled or paid. The House bill only would affect medical debts up to $2,500. New York Times.
House Subcommittee OKs Measure To Extend FDA User-Fee Programs
Yesterday, a House panel unanimously approved legislation to modify FDA’s user-fee programs for drugs and medical devices and extend the programs for an extra five years. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to mark up the bill tomorrow. Politico et al.
Officials Seek End To Oversight of Prison Health Care in 30 Days
California prison officials have asked a federal judge to end oversight of prison health care in 30 days. According to court filings, officials say the state has “transformed” inmate health care services and has the capacity to maintain the improvements. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Editorial: Cigarette Tax Hike Measure ‘Good’ for California
A U-T San Diego editorial notes that although “we do not often support tax increases … we support” Proposition 29, a June ballot initiative that would increase California’s tax on cigarettes by $1 per pack to raise funds for cancer research and smoking prevention. The editorial argues that the measure is “good for public health. It’s good for San Diego and California. And it’s good for California kids.” It concludes, “we strongly endorse and urge a ‘yes’ vote on Proposition 29.” U-T San Diego.
Appeals Court Reverses Ruling on VA Mental Health Lawsuit
On Monday, a federal appeals court reversed a 2011 ruling requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to reform its mental health care system. The appeals court ruled that the delays veterans face when seeking mental health care are not unconstitutional and that only the president or Congress could impose such an overhaul. An attorney for the veterans groups that filed the original lawsuit said they will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Reuters, AP/Sacramento Bee.
Report Calls for Limiting Number of Plans in Exchanges
A report published Monday in the journal Health Affairs recommends that states follow Massachusetts’ example and limit the number of health plans consumers can choose from in state health insurance exchanges required under the federal health reform law. Authors of the report say that consumers prefer choosing from a few carefully vetted and clearly explained health plan options. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Study: Consumer-Driven Health Plans Could Cut Costs
Consumer-directed health insurance plans — which offer high-deductible coverage and often feature a health savings account — could reduce health spending by as much as $57 billion annually if 50% of the U.S. workforce signed up for them, according to a RAND study published Monday in the journal Health Affairs. However, researchers expressed uncertainty about whether the cutbacks in care that CDPs trigger could lead to poorer health or health emergencies in the future. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Ads Supporting Prop. 29 Aim To Counter Tobacco Industry’s Criticisms
Supporters of Proposition 29 have launched advertisements to counter criticisms of the tobacco tax ballot initiative. Meanwhile, opponents of Prop. 29 are outspending supporters $38 million to about $4.7 million. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” San Francisco Chronicle.