Latest California Healthline Stories
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.”
Santa Clara Water District Supports Fluoride in Water
On Tuesday, the Santa Clara Valley Water District board voted 7-0 in support of adding fluoride to most of the county’s drinking water. Public health officials, dentists and other advocates say the additive helps reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay, but opponents argue that it is costly, offers no health benefits and has been linked to fluorosis, a pitting of teeth. The district also voted to partner with community groups to find and approve the funding required for fluoridating the water, which could take up to one year. Adding fluoride to the county’s drinking water is estimated to cost between $4.4 million to $9.5 million, with annual operating costs at $836,000. San Jose Mercury News.
S.F. Supervisors Grant Preliminary Approval to Health Care Law Change
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has preliminarily approved a proposal that would adjust how employers contribute funds for employees’ health reimbursement accounts. Final approval is expected next week. San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner.
Gallup Poll: 47% of U.S. Residents Favor Repeal of Health Reform Law
A Gallup poll finds that 47% of U.S. residents support repealing the health reform law, while 42% believe the law should be preserved. Public opinion of the law is divided along party lines, with most Republicans supporting a repeal and most Democrats backing the law. Politico.
Finance Data Show State Fell $608M Short in October Revenues
California’s October budget revenue has fallen short of projections by $608 million, according to the Department of Finance. The state is $1.26 billion below estimates this fiscal year, raising prospects that officials could trigger automatic cuts. Orange County Register et al.
Report: Closure of MLK Facility Led to Negative Effects in Community
A report finds that the 2007 closure of the Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital in Los Angeles harmed access to specialists and led to overcrowding at emergency departments. Physicians whose practices were as far as 20 miles away felt effects of the facility’s closure. Medscape Medical News.
Geron Halts First Human Embryonic Stem Cell Trial
On Monday, officials at Menlo Park-based biotechnology firm Geron announced the company is halting the first government-approved clinical trial of a human embryonic stem cell therapy. Geron will continue to follow the four patients it has been treating, but it will stop accepting new patients. Citing economic challenges, the company said it does not intend to pursue further research in the stem cell field. Officials said Geron will focus solely on developing its oncology therapies. Company officials noted that the decision is not a reflection of the promise of human embryonic stem cell therapy. The announcement is expected to have significant implications on the biotechnology research field, observers say. Washington Post, New York Times.
Report: Medicare Anti-Fraud Teams Use Inaccurate Data
In a report released on Monday, HHS’ Office of Inspector General found that contractors hired by the department to investigate fraudulent Medicare claims are using inaccurate and inconsistent data, making it difficult to catch illicit behavior within the program. The report showed that federal officials failed to adequately supervise contractors and evaluate how many investigations were initiated by contractors. CMS officials said many of the issues raised in the report have been addressed. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
Consumer Group Sues Anthem Over Higher Insurance Rates
On Monday, Consumer Watchdog filed a lawsuit against Anthem Blue Cross claiming that the insurer breached agreements with individual policyholders by raising deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs in the middle of the year. Los Angeles Times.
Elk Grove Teachers Resist Cap on Health Care Benefits
The Elk Grove Education Association has rejected the school district’s proposal to cap the district’s contributions to teachers’ health care premiums at the 2010 level and end an annual bonus that is paid from state lottery funds. Under the proposal, the district would cap its spending on medical premiums at $60 million, and Elk Grove Unified employees would have to pay $40 per month for individual coverage, $80 for a couple and $120 for a family. The district, which has been in contract negotiations with the teachers’ union since February, said the proposal would help close a projected $34 million budget deficit in the next school year. Sacramento Bee.