Latest California Healthline Stories
Alameda County Delays Vote on Rx Drug ‘Take Back’ Plan
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors decided to delay a vote on an ordinance that would have made the county the first local government to require drugmakers to take back unused products. The move comes after a week of heavy lobbying by pharmaceutical companies that argued that the ordinance was unnecessary and would be a significant burden. Oakland Tribune.
Proposed Budget Cuts Could Affect 12,000 Caregivers Statewide
Nearly 12,000 caregivers could be affected by Gov. Brown’s proposed budget, which would cut $2.9 million in state funds from caregiver resource centers. If the cuts are enacted, some of the centers might have to close or reduce services, according to caregiver advocates. HealthyCal.
Workers’ Comp Costs Up Slightly in 2011, Report Finds
The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for California employers increased slightly from $2.32 per $100 of payroll in 2010 to $2.37 in 2011, while payouts to injured workers and their health care providers increased from $7.8 billion in 2010 to $8.1 billion in 2011, according to the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau’s annual report. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Lawmakers Stay Out of Mt. Diablo Health District Debate
Assembly member Susan Bonilla and Sen. Mark DeSaulnier will not intervene in efforts to shut down Mt. Diablo Health Care District, saying the fate of the district is a local matter. The Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission is expected on Wednesday to disband the health care district or recommend the creation of a new subsidiary to take over its responsibilities. Contra Costa Times.
Hospital Costs for Life-Saving Care Rising in Northern Calif.
Hospital costs associated with complicated life-saving procedures are increasing faster than costs for routine care in Northern California. According to a Sacramento Bee review of data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, the number of hospital stays in the region that cost $1 million or more increased by 700% over the past 10 years, from 430 in 2000 to nearly 3,000 in 2010. Health experts and hospital officials said they expect continued growth in high-cost hospital treatments, due in part to the care needs of the state’s aging population. Sacramento Bee.
Survey: Small Business Owners Worry About Health Care Costs
A survey finds that most California small business owners are worried about rising health care costs. However, findings show that many respondents were unaware of federal assistance for offering worker health benefits. Sacramento Business Journal.
Editorial Commends Board for Rejecting Federal Grant
The Orange County Board of Supervisors — which last week voted 3-2 to reject a $40,000 grant application associated with the federal health reform law — “should be commended” for its decision to reject the federal money, according to an Orange County Register editorial. According to the editorial, the vote “sends a message” to the federal government that Orange County “does not want nationalized health care” and “will not help implement it.” Orange County Register.
Stakeholders React to Final Rule on Health Insurance Exchanges
Some groups have praised HHS’ newly released final rule on health insurance exchanges, saying it emphasizes flexibility. However, some GOP governors have criticized the rule for failing to offer details on how the exchanges run by the federal government will operate. Reuters et al.
California’s February Revenues Fall $146.3M Short of Projections
State Controller John Chiang reports that February revenues were $146.3 million below expectations. Lawmakers are waiting for tax revenues in March and April before considering cuts included in Gov. Brown’s budget plan. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert” et al.
Editorial: Brown’s Managed Care Plan the ‘Right’ Start
State officials “want to proceed more cautiously” with Gov. Brown’s plan to cut $3.6 billion from Medi-Cal spending over the next four years by shifting individuals eligible for both Medi-Cal and Medicare into managed care plans, but California’s “fiscal realities cannot be ignored,” a Los Angeles Times editorial states. According to the editorial, “Policymakers and health care providers must change the financial incentives in Medi-Cal and deliver more value for the dollar through better coordinated, more effective care.” It concludes, “The governor’s proposal may not be the complete answer, but it’s the right starting point.” Los Angeles Times.