Latest California Healthline Stories
Condom Requirement in Adult Films Qualifies for L.A. Ballot
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has collected more than 64,000 signatures from Los Angeles voters to qualify for the June 2012 city ballot a measure that would require actors in adult films to use condoms. The measure would require adult film producers to enforce a safe-sex policy in order to obtain a filming permit in Los Angeles. Opponents of the initiative say it could have an adverse effect on the adult film industry and encourage more risky behaviors. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
High Court To Hear Case on Overtime Pay for Drug Reps
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case to determine whether pharmaceutical sales representatives are entitled to overtime pay. The high court will review a decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which in February ruled against two former GlaxoSmithKline employees who brought a class-action lawsuit against the drugmaker. The Department of Labor has sided with the former employees, while the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said that making sales representatives eligible for overtime pay could cost drugmakers billions of dollars and force them to restructure representatives’ jobs. The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in the case in spring 2012 and reach a decision by the end of June. AP/Washington Post et al.
Advocates Seek More Outreach for Ventura County Medi-Cal Plan
Community advocates say many Ventura County residents eligible for the county’s new Medi-Cal managed care plan do not know how to enroll. Meanwhile, some officials say outreach campaigns already have helped educate residents. Ventura County Star.
S.D. County Limits Eligibility While Expanding Coverage
San Diego County is participating in federal efforts to expand health care benefits to residents ahead of 2014 mandates under the federal health reform law. The county received $50 million in federal matching funds to enroll residents in the federal Low Income Health Program, which provides services to low-income individuals who are not eligible for Medi-Cal. However, county officials limited eligibility to those whose incomes do not exceed 133% of the federal poverty level. Previously, the county participated in the Health Care Coverage Initiative Plan, which served residents earning up to 200% of the poverty level. San Diego County has enrolled 15,305 residents in LIHP, but at least 75% of those individuals were transferred from other county programs. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Tavenner Earns Praise, Could Face Smoother Path to Confirmation
Yesterday, several more health care stakeholders endorsed the nomination of Marilyn Tavenner to replace outgoing CMS Administrator Donald Berwick. Lawmakers have suggested that Tavenner will face a smoother confirmation process than Berwick did. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Medicare ‘Doughnut Hole’ To Shrink by 40%, CMS Reports
The coverage gap in Medicare Part D will shrink by about 40% for beneficiaries who land in the “doughnut hole” this year because of provisions in the federal health reform law, according to data provided by CMS’ Office of the Actuary. Without provisions in the federal health reform law, the average beneficiary who reached the coverage gap would have spent $1,504 this year on prescription drugs. However, provisions in the overhaul reduced that figure to $901. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
Report: Medicaid Costs Expected To Outpace States’ Revenue Growth
A report by the National Governors Association and the National Association of State Budget Officers predicts that states’ revenues will grow over the next few years but that a steady increase in Medicaid costs will offset the extra income. Wall Street Journal, Washington Post.
Judge: State Cannot Funnel $1B Away From First 5 Commissions
A Fresno County judge has ruled that the state cannot shift $1 billion from First 5 commissions without seeking voter approval. Lawmakers earlier this year had sought to move First 5 funds to help pay for children’s health care services. Fresno Bee et al.
Healthy San Francisco Is Finalist for Harvard Prize
Healthy San Francisco is one of six finalists nationwide for Harvard University’s Innovations in American Government Awards program. Richard Scheffler — a professor of health economics at UC-Berkeley who evaluated the program for Harvard — said Healthy San Francisco is well coordinated, has support from business and labor groups, is culturally sensitive to patients, emphasizes primary care and prevention, and incorporates public and private health care providers. The finalists — which were chosen from 563 applicants from around the U.S. — will receive $10,000, and the winner will receive $100,000 to help replicate its program in other cities. San Francisco Chronicle.
Prison Doctors Accused of Malpractice Earn Full Pay for Little or No Work
State data show that California prisons have paid physicians and mental health professionals accused of malpractice about $8.7 million since 2006 for doing no work or performing menial tasks while awaiting the state’s decision on whether they should be terminated. Los Angeles Times.