Latest California Healthline Stories
Peninsula Health Care District Announces $2.15M in Grants
The Peninsula Health Care District will award 19 local organizations a total of $2.15 million in community health grants in 2012. The organizations include the American Red Cross’ San Bruno Resource & Recovery Center and the California Transplant Donor Network. San Mateo County Times, San Francisco Business Times.
Calif. Hospitals Work To Reduce Rate of Early Elective Deliveries
Many California hospitals are working to curb elective deliveries between 37 and 39 weeks to reduce complications in women and infants and trim costs. Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health are among the hospital systems that have launched such initiatives. Contra Costa Times.
Health Advocates Applaud New ‘Clean Car’ Regulations
On Friday, the California Air Resources Board unanimously approved new air quality regulations aimed at reducing emissions that contribute to harmful health effects and climate change, and encouraging automotive innovation. Health and environmental groups applauded the new rules, which are intended to cut vehicles’ greenhouse gas emissions by 34% and reduce unhealthy, smog-forming pollution by 75% by 2025. Contra Costa Times, AP/U-T San Diego.
Prison Receiver: State Cannot Yet Resume Oversight of Inmate Care
J. Clark Kelso, California’s federally appointed receiver for prison health care, said the state needs to make progress on $2 billion worth of facility upgrades and construction before federal oversight can end. AP/Washington Post, KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
DOJ Argues That Reform Law Can Stand Without Individual Mandate
The Department of Justice has filed a brief arguing that the Supreme Court should not void the entire federal health reform law if it strikes down the individual mandate. Plaintiffs have argued that the law should be invalidated if the mandate is struck down. Politico et al.
Kaiser Workers Set To Hold One-Day Strike on Tuesday
On Tuesday, the National Union of Healthcare Workers plans to hold a one-day strike at Kaiser Permanente hospitals over proposed cuts to health and retirement benefits and long wait times for psychiatric care. In addition to the 4,000 NUHW members, about 17,000 members of the California Nurses Association and 650 members of the Stationary Engineers Local 39 plan to strike in sympathy. Kaiser facilities plan to remain open during the walkout. San Francisco Chronicle.
Editorial Hails Reform Law’s Payment Disclosure Provision
A Los Angeles Times editorial states that a proposed rule stemming from the federal health reform law “that requires the makers of drugs and medical devices to disclose most payments and gifts to physicians” on a searchable public website “would both protect patients and reduce medical costs.” It notes that “the website will be a force for good even if few patients examine it” because “[w]atchdog organizations and news reporters will use it” to find “potentially troubling behavior.” Los Angeles Times.
Health Care Providers Creating Options To Alleviate Strain on EDs
Some Sacramento-area health care providers are devising ways to reduce emergency department visits through less costly treatment options in primary care settings. Some strategies include establishing referral networks and opening urgent care clinics. Sacramento Bee.
Report Finds Overpayments in Medicare Advantage Plans
A new Government Accountability Office report shows that Medicare Advantage plans were overpaid by between $1.2 billion and $3.1 billion in 2010. The report found that MA plans tend to classify their beneficiaries as being sicker than those in fee-for-service Medicare plans, thereby triggering higher payments. House Democrats said the federal government could save billions of dollars annually by adjusting the coding formula used to determine MA payments. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Medicare Poised To Be Major Issue in 2012 Congressional Races
Medicare is likely to be a major issue in congressional races this year. Democrats plan to criticize the GOP for supporting House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan’s Medicare proposal, while Republicans plan to attack Medicare cuts in the federal health reform law. New York Times.