Latest California Healthline Stories
California Children’s Hospitals Offer Few Healthy Food Choices
A report finds that only 7% of entrees in snack bars and cafeterias of California children’s hospitals are considered healthy. Researchers say some hospitals in the study already have taken steps to improve healthy food options. Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules” et al.
Thousands Criticize IOM Report on ‘Essential Benefits’ in Exchanges
More than 2,400 health care experts and providers have sent a letter to HHS calling on the federal government to reject the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations on how basic coverage standards for insurance exchanges should be implemented. Modern Healthcare et al.
Most Insurers Would Have Met MLR Criteria Before Rule Took Effect
A Government Accountability Office report finds that about 64% of insurers would have met the health reform law’s medical-loss ratio requirement before it took effect. Health plans in the individual market were less likely to meet the criteria. Reuters, The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Editorial: ADHC Settlement Is a ‘Win’ for State and Elderly
The recent adult day health care settlement between state officials and advocates for the elderly and individuals with disabilities to establish a “similar community-based program” was “an 11th-hour reprieve,” according to a Modesto Bee editorial. According to the Bee, the “threatened closures” of ADHC centers “made no sense either on fiscal or humanitarian grounds.” The editorial notes, “While reimbursement will switch from a fee for service to a managed care model, the services for most of the elderly, low-income adults will endure.” The editorial concludes that the settlement is “a rare win for both sides but mostly for frail, elderly Californians and their families.” Modesto Bee.
Study: HIV/AIDS Hospitalization Rates Drop, Disparities Increase
A report by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development finds that California’s hospitalization rate for complications related to HIV/AIDS has fallen but that rates of HIV/AIDS have increased among blacks, whites and Hispanics. Los Angeles Daily News et al.
Coalition Says California Should Spend More on Anti-Smoking Programs
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has released a report criticizing California for how much it spends on anti-smoking programs. The state spends 15.8% of what CDC recommends for such initiatives. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids release.
McDonald’s Circumvents S.F. Food Ordinance With Toy Fee
On Dec. 1, a new San Francisco law takes effect that prevents fast-food establishments from including toys in meals that do not meet nutritional requirements. To comply with the law, McDonald’s restaurants in the city will charge a 10-cent fee if customers wish to receive a toy in Happy Meal purchases. Proceeds from the toy sales will go toward building a Ronald McDonald House to house families with children at the UC-San Francisco Hospital that is under construction in Mission Bay. San Francisco Chronicle, CNN.
About One-Third of Students Fail Physical Fitness Test
Nearly one-third of California students in grades five, seven and nine did not meet state physical fitness guidelines, placing them at higher risk for health problems, according to results of the state’s physical fitness test that was conducted in the spring. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson has launched the “Team California for Healthy Kids” campaign to encourage fitness and healthy eating. Contra Costa Times et al.
House Committee OKs Bill To Repeal Reform Law’s CLASS Program
Yesterday, a House committee approved a measure that would repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, a long-term care program created by the health reform law. The legislation could reach the House floor before the end of the year. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Brown Expected To Propose Tax Hike for Inclusion on 2012 Ballot
Tomorrow, Gov. Brown is expected to unveil a plan to boost income and sales taxes. The measure would affect residents earning at least $250,000 annually. Brown aims to place the measure on the November 2012 ballot. Contra Costa Times, Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”