Latest California Healthline Stories
Study: Calif. Retirees Have Less Access to Employer Benefits
A study by UC-Berkeley finds that retired Californians have less access to employer-sponsored benefits compared to most U.S. residents. Researchers note that California retirees as a result rely more heavily on government programs. HealthyCal.
Study: Tobacco Tax Hike Could Boost Jobs, Economy
A June 5 ballot initiative that would raise California’s tobacco tax by $1 per pack could boost the state’s economy by nearly $2 billion annually and create 12,000 new permanent jobs in medical research and other sectors, according to a new study from the UC-San Francisco Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education. UCSF researchers also noted that as a result of the new tax, “Californians would smoke less and spend their money in other ways.” San Francisco Business Times.
States, NFIB File Briefs Against Reform Law’s Individual Mandate
Yesterday, attorneys general for 26 states and the National Federation of Independent Business filed briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that the federal health reform law’s individual mandate exceeds Congress’ constitutional authority. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Sacramento Dentists Provide No-Cost Kids Dental Care
On Saturday, the Sacramento District Dental Society held its annual Smile for Kids event to provide no-cost dental care to uninsured children in five area counties. SDDS Executive Director Cathy Levering said the event is designed to help children whose parents are uninsured but who cannot qualify for public dental programs because of income requirements. Sacramento Bee.
CMS Rejects California’s Plan To Require Medi-Cal Copayments
CMS has rejected California’s plan to require copayments from Medi-Cal beneficiaries for certain health care services. Gov. Brown’s administration said it will appeal the federal government’s decision. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” et al.
Low-Income Adults Less Likely To Have Coverage, Regular Source of Care
A Commonwealth Fund survey finds that low-income U.S. residents are less likely to have health coverage and access to a regular source of care than higher-income adults. Future surveys will aim to track coverage changes resulting from provisions in the federal health reform law. Modern Healthcare et al.
Two Rival Plans Compete With Brown’s Proposed Tax Ballot Measure
Gov. Brown’s tax proposal might have to share the November ballot with two competing tax hike initiatives. One plan would increase taxes on residents earning over $1 million annually, and the other would raise income taxes for all residents. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Medical Marijuana Advocates Push for Ballot Initiative
This week, a coalition of medical marijuana advocates hopes to begin a drive to gather about 500,000 signatures required for placing a proposal on the November ballot that would establish a state-administrated enforcement bureau to oversee entities that grow, distribute and test medical marijuana products. The initiative must be reviewed and approved by the state attorney general and secretary of state before the group can collect signatures. Sacramento Bee.
Health Agencies Partner To Boost Coordination of Care in San Joaquin
Four health agencies in San Joaquin are working together to establish an integrated system for providing primary and mental health care to low-income area residents. The coalition will use an electronic health data exchange to coordinate its efforts and improve care delivery. Stockton Record.
Opinion: California Voters Should Act on Pension Reform
In a recent Orange County Register opinion piece, Rich Danker — project director for economics at the American Principles Project in Washington, D.C. — argues in favor of two proposed November ballot measures that seek a “shift toward the defined-contribution model of pension funding for future state employees.” Danker concludes, “California has been a forerunner for trends — good and bad — in American public policy. There is still time for it to be on the vanguard of state pension reform, the leading public finance issue of our time.” Orange County Register.