Latest California Healthline Stories
EDs Serving Medi-Cal, Minority Patients at Higher Risk of Closing
A new study finds that California emergency departments are at greater risk of closing if they treat more black patients or Medi-Cal beneficiaries. The study also noted that for-profit facilities are more likely to close their EDs than not-for-profit facilities. NPR’s “Shots” et al.
Poll: Most Calif. Residents Unaware of Paid-Leave Law
A poll released Wednesday found that just 43% of surveyed California residents are aware of the California Paid Family Leave Act, a 10-year-old law that allows most workers to take paid time off to care for a new child or sick relatives. Under the law, more than 13 million state residents are eligible to take up to six weeks off work while still receiving 55% of their pay, according to the California Work & Family Coalition. Workers are paid through the state disability insurance program. The survey found that white and Asian residents generally were more aware of the law than Latinos and blacks and that Los Angeles County residents had the lowest awareness of the benefit. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Sutter Health Reports Stolen Computer With Data on 4.2M Patients
Sutter Health has announced that a computer containing personal data on 4.2 million patients was stolen from its medical office in Sacramento last month. Officials said that the computer was password-protected but that data were not encrypted. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
Some Residents in San Joaquin Valley at Higher Risk for Health Issues
A three-year UC-Davis study of cumulative health risks in the San Joaquin Valley finds that more than one million residents in the region face higher risks for illness and shortened life spans because of environmental and social factors. Fresno Bee, New America Media.
Stockton OKs Second Health Plan Option for City Workers
On Tuesday, the Stockton City Council unanimously approved a plan to offer city employees a second option for health care coverage through a Kaiser Foundation Health Plan. Under the new Kaiser plan, a single employee would not have to pay any monthly premiums, while an employee with one dependent would pay a few dollars per month. The city would pay $281 per month. The new health plan option stems from the city’s efforts to trim costs and balance its budget in part by asking employees to cover more of their health care costs. The city agreed to introduce a second option that required city workers to pay little or no premiums. Stockton Record.
Two Medical Specialty Groups Plan To Merge in January
Two San Francisco Bay Area medical specialty groups — Pacific Urology, and Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group — have announced that they plan to merge in January “as a hedge against mounting business challenges.” The groups noted that a looming reduction in Medicare payments of about 30% influenced their decision. The new 13-member practice will share infrastructure and resources, such as clinic facilities and information technology. San Francisco Business Times.
Prime Healthcare Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Kaiser, SEIU
Prime Healthcare Services has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Kaiser Permanente and the Service Employees International Union are conspiring to diminish Prime’s market viability in Southern California. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin et al.
Federal Efforts To Curb Health Program Fraud Saved $17.6B Last Year
The Obama administration says it saved $17.6 billion last year by lowering the rate of improper payments in Medicare, Medicaid and other programs. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced an initiative aimed at further reducing payment errors. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” Modern Healthcare.
Orange City Council OKs End to Members’ Health Benefits
The Orange City Council has approved a measure to end health care and retirement benefits and a monthly stipend for all new council members beginning in 2013. City Attorney David DeBerry said state law prohibits eliminating the benefits of sitting council members. The city is expected to save as much as $146,000 annually once the city law takes effect and current members are termed out in 2014. Orange County Register.
AMA Supports ‘Open Market’ Model for Health Exchanges
During its semi-annual meeting on Tuesday, the American Medical Association endorsed an “open marketplace” structure for the reform law’s health insurance exchanges, which are set to be implemented in 2014. AMA said the open market approach would allow all insurers that meet minimum standards to participate in the exchange. AMA said an “active purchaser” model — in which states would negotiate directly with insurers and allow only certain plans to join the exchanges — could hinder competition and limit patients’ options. Reuters, The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”