Latest California Healthline Stories
States Eye Medicaid Cuts To Tackle Budget, Cost Issues
States facing budget shortfalls and rising health care costs are testing a variety of strategies to limit Medicaid spending. Although the federal health reform law requires states to maintain Medicaid eligibility and enrollment standards through 2014, states are permitted to cut optional Medicaid benefits. Some states already are reducing such benefits, including prescription drug coverage, vision and dental care, and visits to certain specialists, while others are limiting coverage for hospital stays. Such plans require federal approval, which many states already have been granted. Kaiser Health News/USA Today.
Sacramento Dentists See Drop in Business After Economic Downturn
Some California dentists are reporting a decrease in business because of the economic downturn and budget cuts. In the Sacramento region, there was a 25% to 30% decrease in business in the last three years, according to a Sacramento District Dental Society official. Sacramento Bee.
Health Board for Native Communities Pursues Plan To Expand Care
The California Rural Indian Health Board aims to form a consortium that can administer the Bridge to Reform health care program for Native Americans and Native Alaskans in 37 rural California counties before more provisions of the federal reform law take effect in 2014. HealthyCal.
Inland Regional Center Owes State $10M, New Audit Finds
A California Department of Developmental Services audit report released on Friday found that the Inland Regional Center — a not-for-profit agency in San Bernardino that serves residents with developmental disabilities — improperly spent nearly $10 million in state funds that it must return to the state. The state contracts with IRC for therapy, transportation, housing and other services for individuals with developmental issues. The audit also found that IRC awarded a $1 million contract to a Corona-based transportation company to provide routing and scheduled transportation services, but there are no records of those services being provided. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
U.S. Senate Blocks Measure To Import Canadian Drugs
On Thursday, the Senate voted 45-55 to reject a provision that would have allowed U.S. residents to import certain prescription drugs from Canada. Under the measure, U.S. residents could order FDA-approved prescription drugs from Canada by mail or Internet, or could import the medications to the U.S. in person. The measure would not have applied to biologics or controlled substances. Sen. David Vitter — who proposed the provision as an amendment to a Senate appropriations bill — said it would have given individuals a less costly option to purchase prescription drugs. Modern Healthcare et al.
Study: Most Employers To Continue Coverage Under Health Reform
An Urban Institute study finds that most employers will maintain health coverage for workers after the health reform law is fully implemented. Meanwhile, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey finds that about 16% of employers offer coverage to part-time workers. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Wal-Mart Scaling Back Health Care Benefits for Employees
Last week, Wal-Mart Stores announced that it is reducing health care benefits for part-time employees and raising premiums for many full-time staff members in 2012 by as much as 40%. Citing rising costs, company officials added that all future part-time workers who work fewer than 24 hours weekly no longer will qualify for any health insurance plans. The announcement marks a significant shift for Wal-Mart, which several years ago expanded coverage and agreed to offer health insurance to part-time employees after a year of employment. New York Times.
Experts Say Physician Shortage Acute in State’s Inland Empire Region
Experts say the statewide physician shortage is especially serious in the Inland Empire area. To address the doctor shortage, health care organizations are employing nurse practitioners and physician assistants or using telehealth technology. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Calif. Launches Campaign To Encourage Healthier Schools
On Thursday, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson launched the statewide Team California for Healthy Kids campaign to promote healthy eating and physical activity in schools and communities. The campaign aims to improve children’s access to fresh food and water and physical activities. Officials noted that one in three California children is obese or overweight, which can raise the risk for developing chronic diseases and lead to absenteeism and poor performance in school. Ventura County Star.
Not-for-Profit Hospitals Under Scrutiny for Charity Care Totals
An analysis by the Bay Area News Group finds that while some not-for-profit hospitals in the East Bay area receive millions of dollars worth of tax breaks, they provide a small percentage of charity health care to area residents. Contra Costa Times.