Latest California Healthline Stories
Watsonville Fluoridation Plan Hits Funding Roadblock
On Thursday, the California Dental Association announced that it would not pay for the installation of a Watsonville water fluoridation system because the project’s lowest bid came in at about $1.2 million more than the original cost estimate. CDA officials told the city that they will continue to support the project and try to identify funding for it. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Sen. Feinstein Stumps for Health Plan Rate Regulation
In an email to more than two million registered California voters this week, Sen. Dianne Feinstein endorsed a proposed state ballot measure that would give California regulators the authority to approve health plan premium increases. Feinstein urged voters to sign petitions in support of the measure, which needs 505,000 signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Co.”
State Mental Health Department Saw High Pay Increases in 2011
State worker payrolls in 2011 increased by $500 million largely because of reduced employee furlough days. The Department of Mental Health saw one of the biggest payroll increases last year at nearly $50 million, and it had the two highest-paid state employees. Sacramento Bee.
House Passes Repeal of CLASS Act; Legislation Unlikely To Pass Senate
Last night, 28 Democrats joined all House Republicans in approving legislation to repeal the federal health reform law’s Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act. The bill now goes to the Senate, where Democrats are expected to resist its passage. Roll Call et al.
Seton Hospital Hit With $100K Fine for Patient Death
On Tuesday, the California Department of Public Health announced that it has levied an “AA” citation and $100,000 fine — the maximum penalties under state law — against Seton Medical Center after an investigation determined that a hospital error led to the death of a patient in the long-term nursing unit. Seton is appealing the citation and fine. Bay Citizen, San Jose Mercury News.
S.D. County Officials Seek To End Sales of Synthetic Drugs
On Tuesday, San Diego County law enforcement officials sent letters warning local retailers to stop selling illegal designer synthetic drugs known as “spice” and “bath salts.” The letters stated that retailers face fines or jail time if they continue to sell the drugs, which have been found to cause violent behavior, heart attacks and seizures. Gov. Brown signed bills last year to curb sales of such substances. U-T San Diego.
Health Care Advocates Support Tobacco Tax Hike To Fund Research
Health providers and advocates have launched a campaign for a June ballot measure that aims to raise the state tobacco tax by $1 per pack. Funds from the increase would aid research for smoking-related health conditions. Riverside Press Enterprise, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Judge Issues Injunction To Block Medi-Cal Reimbursement Cuts
On Tuesday, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to block California from moving forward with a 10% reduction to Medi-Cal payments. According to finance department officials, the state will appeal the ruling. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal” et al.
State Medicaid Leaders Worried About New Tax on Premium Revenue
Many state Medicaid directors are concerned about a provision of the federal health reform law that requires insurers to pay a tax on premium revenue. Some directors hope the federal government will exempt Medicaid managed care plans from the tax. Kaiser Health News/McClatchy.
IOM Report Highlights Costs of Chronic Conditions in U.S.
In a report issued Tuesday, the Institute of Medicine highlighted nine chronic conditions that have significant effects on the U.S. health care system and account for billions of dollars in annual spending. The report makes 17 recommendations for addressing the high cost of chronic disease care in the U.S. Modern Healthcare, Los Angeles Times‘ “Booster Shots.”