Latest California Healthline Stories
HHS: Health Coverage Gap Unchanged Over Last Decade
Last week, HHS reported in its final review of the federal program “Healthy People 2010” that low-income and minority U.S. residents are less likely to have health coverage compared with the general population, despite nationwide efforts over the past 10 years to reduce the disparity. The report measured the success of Healthy People 2010 based on 733 indicators set in 2000. It found that 23% of the initiative’s goals were met; 48% of health indicators showed improvement; 24% of indicators declined; and more than 69% of health indicators related to reducing disparities by race, ethnicity, gender, income and education showed no change. HHS officials plan to renew their emphasis on reducing health disparities in the next set of targets under Healthy People 2020. Kaiser Health News.
San Diego State Nabs $6M To Study Childhood Obesity
CDC has awarded San Diego State University a four-year childhood obesity research grant worth more than $6 million. Researchers at SDSU’s Institute for Behavioral and Community Health will collaborate with the Imperial County Public Health Department and Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo to reduce the childhood obesity rate in Imperial County, which at 39% is the highest in California. The grant is one of four awarded to research teams across the U.S. as part of CDC’s Childhood Obesity Demonstration Project. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Counties Weigh Public Plan as Option in State Health Benefit Exchange
California counties are considering whether to include a public plan option in the state’s health insurance exchange. Orange County supervisors decided against offering such an option, noting that it possibly could lead to lower reimbursement rates. HealthyCal.
Researchers Announce Stem Cell Cloning Breakthrough
For the first time, a team of researchers used cloning techniques to create embryonic stem cells, according to a report published Wednesday in the journal Nature. The team includes scientists from UC-San Diego, Columbia University and the New York Stem Cell Foundation Laboratory in New York City. The researchers say their latest achievement will help advance efforts to develop therapies to treat illnesses such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Los Angeles Times.
MedPAC Approves Plan To Overhaul Formula for Medicare Pay Rates
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has approved a plan to replace the sustainable growth rate formula, which sets Medicare physician payment rates. The recommendations are non-binding, and Congress could reject the proposals. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
California Home Health Care Providers Hindered by Reimbursement Cuts
California programs that offer home-based supportive services are facing pressure following state budget cuts and changes to federal regulations. Such services could face additional funding cuts if state tax revenue falls short of forecasts. HealthyCal.
Governor Signs Legislation on Maternity Coverage, Food Stamps
Gov. Brown has signed bills requiring individual insurance policies to cover maternity care and employers to maintain coverage for women on maternity leave. Brown also signed a bill to abolish a fingerprinting rule for food stamp recipients. Contra Costa Times et al.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of October 7, 2011
Officials say Eden Medical Center is considering layoffs that could affect up to 5% of the hospital’s staff. Meanwhile, San Francisco General Hospital recently became the first hospital in the U.S. to receive Joint Commission certification for treating traumatic brain injury.
HHS OIG Issues Health Care Fraud, Abuse Prevention Plan
On Wednesday, HHS’ Office of Inspector General released its 2012 plan to boost agency efforts to prevent health care fraud and abuse. The 165-page work plan includes a number of new strategies, such as focusing on proper documentation for patient claims and reviewing hospitals considered to be at “high risk” for improper Medicare billing. The blueprint also recommends targeting hospitals that use certain codes frequently and using data-mining techniques to review hospital submissions of certain billing codes. Modern Healthcare.
Ventura County OKs $32M Contract for EHR Project
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved a proposal to award a $32 million contract to health IT vendor Cerner to shift the county’s electronic health record systems to one central EHR system. Ventura County Health Care Agency Director Robert Gonzalez said the centralized EHR system will cut costs and improve the quality of care by reducing medication errors and complication rates. The shift to a centralized system also will help the county qualify for meaningful use incentive payments and avoid penalties under the federal economic stimulus package. The project is set to begin immediately and will take 14 to 18 months to complete. Ventura County Star.