Latest California Healthline Stories
Poll: Individual Mandate the Key Problem for Most Voters
A Kaiser Family Foundation poll released Wednesday found that fewer U.S. residents in November had an unfavorable view of the federal health reform law than in October. According to the poll, 44% of respondents had an unfavorable view of the reform law, compared with 51% in October. The poll also found that 63% of respondents view the law’s individual mandate unfavorably. Wall Street Journal‘s “Washington Wire.”
Subcommittee Considers Tactics for Addressing National Drug Shortage
During a hearing yesterday, a House panel heard testimony from several experts on the possible causes of the nation’s shortage of lifesaving drugs. Experts also recommended certain policies and legislative changes that could help address such drug shortages. Modern Healthcare et al.
Bill Would Expand Medical School Scholarship Program
When the Legislature reconvenes in January, Assembly member Henry Perea says he wants to reintroduce a bill to expand a medical school scholarship program to encourage physicians to work in underserved areas. Experts predict that demand for primary health care services will increase as the population ages and more provisions of the federal health reform law take effect. Initially, Perea hopes the bill would raise $1 million from public and private sources, including the state lottery, to help pay for scholarships for 10 new physicians. Capitol Public Radio.
Opinion: Providers Must Not Fail Like Federal Debt Panel
“At minimum,” the federal debt panel’s failure to reach an agreement on a deficit-reduction plan “means more uncertainty for another year and more challenges as [health care providers] continue to plan for future changes and reimbursement reductions,” Chris Van Gorder — president and CEO of Scripps Health — writes in a San Diego Union-Tribune opinion piece. “As health care providers, we know that cuts are coming. The only question that remains is by how much,” Van Gorder writes, adding, “The financial challenges get larger but our patients and communities expect and deserve high-quality care.” He concludes, “So, we move on with our important work. Unlike Congress and the supercommittee, we can’t afford to fail. Because if we fail, people can die.” San Diego Union-Tribune.
CDC: 28% of HIV Patients Have Infection Under Control
A study released Tuesday by CDC found that only 28% of the estimated 1.2 million U.S. residents with HIV are receiving the treatments necessary to keep the infection under control and reduce the risk of transmission. The study also found that 20% of U.S. residents with HIV do not know they are infected. Further, of those who have been diagnosed, only about 50% are receiving regular care. CDC on Tuesday announced a five-year, $359 million annual federal grant program for state and city health departments and a $2.4 million campaign to promote HIV testing among young black men who have sex with men, who account for about 22% of new infections. AP/Washington Times et al.
Providers Say Medi-Cal Cuts Will Affect Rural Care Significantly
Rural hospital administrators are warning that the latest round of Medi-Cal payment cuts will have considerable negative effects on their skilled nursing facilities for elderly and long-term care and could lead some facilities to close. Sacramento Bee.
HHS Announces $220M To Help 13 States Set Up Insurance Exchanges
Yesterday, HHS awarded about $220 million in grants to help 13 states set up health insurance exchanges under the health reform law. HHS also said it will give states an extra six months to apply for federal funding to support the exchanges. New York Times‘ “Prescriptions” et al.
Second Lawsuit Filed Over Sutter Health Data Breach
On Nov. 21, the law firm Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood filed a class-action lawsuit against Sutter Health in a response to a stolen computer containing personal information on more than four million patients. On Nov. 16, the law firm Harris & Rubel filed a similar lawsuit on behalf of a patient against Sutter Medical Foundation and Sutter Physician Services. Both lawsuits allege that Sutter did not have adequate safeguards in place and failed to notify affected patients within 30 days of the incident. eWeek, Becker’s Hospital Review.
Number of Uninsured Kids Dropped in Recent Years, Report Finds
A report finds that the number of uninsured U.S. children dropped from 6.9 million in 2008 to 5.9 million in 2010, in part because many states expanded or simplified enrollment procedures for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Union Calls on State To Investigate Kaiser’s Mental Health Care
The National Union of Healthcare Workers is asking state regulators to look into allegations that Kaiser Permanente violates state regulations governing timely access to mental health care. Kaiser disputes the allegations. San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Business Journal.