Latest California Healthline Stories
Coalition Supports Alternative to Brown’s Plan on Kids’ Health Care
A coalition supports an alternate plan to Gov. Brown’s proposal to shift nearly one million children from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal. The new plan would move about 200,000 kids who already were expected to shift to Medi-Cal under a federal reform law provision. HealthyCal.
Senators Launch Probe Into Drugmakers’ Ties With Painkiller Groups
The Senate Finance Committee has started investigating ties between drugmakers, advocacy groups and organizations that set painkiller prescription guidelines. Meanwhile, the American Pain Foundation said it will dissolve for financial reasons. New York Times, Washington Post.
Study: Reported Charges Vary Between California Hospitals
A new study finds that reported hospital charges for certain treatments vary among California hospitals. However, hospital officials say that the findings are of little value because the charges do not represent what patients actually pay. Ventura County Star.
Pelosi Slams Federal Closures of Medical Pot Dispensaries
In a statement released last week, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi criticized the Obama administration’s recent closures of medical marijuana dispensaries in California and expressed support for policies to strengthen the rights of users. Pelosi said in the statement that the administration’s actions “undermine a policy that has been in place under which the federal government did not pursue individuals whose actions complied with state laws.” The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Medical School Enrollments Nearing AAMC Target
U.S. medical school enrollment is on track to reach 21,376 first-year students by 2016, according to a survey of 129 medical schools by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The survey found that first-year medical school enrollment will increase by 29.6% from the 2002-03 school year to the 2016-17 school year, which nearly meets AAMC’s goal of a 30% increase by 2015. Modern Healthcare.
New Study Predicts That U.S. Obesity Rate Will Rise to 42% by 2030
A study released at a CDC conference predicts that the percentage of U.S. residents who are obese will reach 42% by 2030. The study notes that the U.S. could save $550 billion in medical costs by maintaining the current obesity rate of 36%. Washington Times et al.
Concerns Raised About Access to Primary Care in Sacramento County
Health care leaders in Sacramento County are concerned about the lack of primary care services available to low-income and uninsured residents. The county once operated six public clinics but now runs only one, while not-for-profit community clinics are scarce. Sacramento Bee.
Gov’t Reform Group Submits Signatures for Ballot Measure
On Monday, the California Forward Action Fund announced that it has submitted more than 1.2 million voter signatures to place on the November ballot a constitutional amendment requiring the state to adopt a two-year, performance-based budget cycle. The proposal also includes legislative transparency measures and a new process for local governments to opt out of state rules. More than 50 groups last week signed a letter warning that they will form an opposition campaign if the proposal makes it onto the ballot. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Supporters of Munger’s Tax Hike Plan Submit 830,000 Signatures
Supporters of Molly Munger’s tax hike plan have submitted 830,000 signatures to election officials, which should be enough to qualify the initiative for the November ballot. Munger said a cooperative campaign with supporters of a rival tax plan from Gov. Brown is possible. KPCC’s “KPCC News,” Sacramento Bee.
Bill To Extend Drug User Fees Expected To Advance Quickly
On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee is expected to mark up legislation that would reauthorize and modify the Prescription Drug User Fee Act. The full committee is expected to consider the bill on Thursday. Industry sources say the committee hopes to move the bill to the floor under a suspension of rules, a sign that it could move quickly. Politico.