Latest California Healthline Stories
LAO: Lawmakers Must Reject Brown’s Cuts to Child Care
A new Legislative Analyst’s Office report urges the California Legislature to oppose a plan by Gov. Brown to cut reimbursement rates by 10% for subsidized child care centers. LAO warns that the proposal — part of Brown’s fiscal year 2012-2013 budget plan — could lead to the closure of many of the centers, which serve more than 300,00 underserved children in the state. California Watch.
Kaiser Ordered To Cover Developmental Therapy for Certain Patients
California regulators have ordered Kaiser Permanente Foundation Health Plan to stop denying occupational, physical and speech therapy to patients who lack physical or mental disabilities. A Kaiser official said regulators have misunderstood the insurer’s coverage policies. Contra Costa Times.
Bill Seeks To End Extra Medical Product Inspections
Earlier this month, Rep. Brian Bilbray introduced legislation that would eliminate state-level inspections of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices that already have been reviewed by federal regulators. According to Bilbray’s office, California is the only state that requires a state-level screening, by the California Food and Drug Branch, regardless of prior review. The bill also has support from Rep. Susan Davis and five Republicans. CMIO.
Condom Mandate for Adult Films Gaining Support in L.A.
On Monday, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation announced that it had collected more than half of the 232,153 signatures required from Los Angeles County voters to qualify a measure for the November ballot that would require adult film actors to use condoms. The proposal would mirror the Los Angeles city ordinance that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed last month. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
LAO Report Says Brown’s Budget Assumes Too Much Revenue
Gov. Brown’s proposed 2012-2013 budget overestimates revenue by $6.5 billion, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. California Democrats were counting on more revenue to avoid cuts to health and human services programs. Sacramento Bee et al.
Poll Ranks Two Calif. Cities Among Top Five in U.S. for Well-Being
According to a new Gallup poll ranking U.S. states and cities by levels of well-being, two metropolitan areas in California are among the top five highest-rated in the U.S. The poll surveyed U.S. residents about their physical and emotional health, among other subjects. CNN’s “The Chart.”
Small Businesses Turn to High Deductible Plans To Cut Costs
Some of California’s small business owners are attempting to reduce their share of insurance premium costs by shifting employees into high deductible health plans. Advocates of using high deductible plans say that workers will be compelled to take greater responsibility for their health care when they have to pay more for treatment. However, critics say high deductible plans can cause cash-strapped residents to delay medical care and become sicker. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Health Plans Looking for Strategies To Curb Costs After Reform Rollout
After the federal health reform law is fully implemented in 2014, health insurers are expected to look for new ways to control costs through greater monitoring of individuals with chronic conditions, better coordination with physicians and new payment models. New York Times.
Lawmakers Hold Hearing on Hospital Billing Under Reform
At a special hearing in Los Angeles on Friday, leaders of the California Legislature’s health committees discussed hospital billing practices under the federal health reform law and their effect on patient care. Sen. Ed Hernandez — who convened the hearing with health providers, insurance company officials and patients — said the issue would become more important when the law’s individual insurance mandate takes effect in 2014. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Lawsuit Says Ingredient Used in Supplements Is ‘Dangerous’
A class-action lawsuit filed in Los Angeles federal court this month alleges that an “illegal and dangerous” compound — known as 1,3 dimethylamylamine or DMAA — is being used in widely marketed sports supplements designed for performance enhancement or weight loss. According to court filings, the lawsuit claims that experts “have become concerned that this potent stimulant drug will lead to serious health issues and even death.” California Watch.