Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial, Opinion Piece Weigh In on Autism Coverage Bill
A Los Angeles Times editorial argues that a Legislature-approved bill that would require health insurers to cover applied behavioral analysis treatment for children with autism is a “good policy” that Gov. Brown “should sign.” It adds, “The more children who receive the therapy early, … the more costs from autism that schools, the state and taxpayers will be able to avoid down the road.” Meanwhile, in a Capitol Weekly opinion piece, Patrick Johnston — CEO and president of the California Association of Health Plans — writes that the bill “regretfully deserves a veto.” He argues that the measure “would impose a costly new mandate for private health insurance to pay for educational non-medical services for children with autism, while exempting the public health programs — Medi-Cal and Healthy Families — from the requirement to cover the same therapy.” Los Angeles Times, Capitol Weekly.
Settlement Would Boost Foster Children’s Mental Health Care
A preliminary settlement between children’s advocates and state agencies would require California to provide more mental health care for children who are in or are soon to be in foster care. The settlement is expected to be finalized in December. California Watch.
Solicitor General To Argue High Court Medi-Cal Case
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that the U.S. solicitor general is authorized to participate in California’s defense against a lawsuit that argues Medicaid beneficiaries should be able to file lawsuits against states that make cuts to the program. The Obama administration is arguing that health care providers and other plaintiffs in the case do not have legal authority to challenge matters between the state and federal government. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Report: Little Change in U.S. Hospital Readmission Rates
A new Dartmouth Atlas Project report concludes that U.S. hospitals have made little progress on readmission rates over the past five years. Researchers analyzed 10.7 million hospital discharges for Medicare beneficiaries. They found that 30-day surgical readmission rates were 12.7% in both 2004 and 2009 and that 30-day medical readmission rates rose slightly, from 15.9% in 2004 to 16.1% in 2009. The study also found that more than half of patients failed to see a primary care clinician within two weeks of discharge, a step that can help avoid readmissions and improve outcomes. Modern Healthcare, Reuters.
White House Petitions Supreme Court To Review Reform Law
Yesterday, the Department of Justice petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review an appellate court’s ruling in a case challenging the federal health reform law. DOJ expressed confidence that the high court would uphold the law’s constitutionality. New York Times et al.
Groups Seek Restored Funding for Services for Those With Disabilities
On Wednesday, the Arc of California and United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County filed a lawsuit seeking to block the state from slashing reimbursement for programs that provide services for individuals with mental or physical disabilities. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
Bill To Bar Minors From Visiting Tanning Salons Awaits Brown’s Decision
A bill that would prevent individuals younger than age 18 from using tanning beds is before Gov. Brown. Supporters of the measure, including the California Medical Association, argue that indoor tanning can contribute to cancer risks and lead to other harmful effects. Capitol Weekly.
UC-Riverside Nabs Five-Year, $5M Grant for Medical School
On Tuesday, the Desert Healthcare District approved a five-year, $5 million grant for UC-Riverside’s proposed medical school and a $4.9 million grant for a health and wellness center in Desert Hot Springs. The UC-Riverside grant will be used to hire primary care doctors in the region and establish a telemedicine system. Meanwhile, the proposed 29,000 square-foot Desert Hot Springs facility will include a health care clinic, education facilities and an aquatic center. Palm Springs Desert Sun.
Opinion: Brown Veto of ADHC Replacement Unexpected
In a Lake County News opinion piece, Assembly member Mariko Yamada writes that all Assembly Democrats supported Gov. Brown’s budget proposal to eliminate the adult day health care program “with the understanding” that he would sign a bill creating “a ‘step-down’ alternative” to the program. However, Brown “unexpectedly” vetoed the bill, according to Yamada, adding, “There is no doubt that the destruction of the ADHC program will result in increased 911 calls, hospital emergency room visits, nursing home placements, and investigations for abuse and neglect.” Lake County News.
Editorial: Survey Reinforces Argument for Rate Regulation
A new Kaiser Family Foundation survey shows that even though many workers are receiving less comprehensive health insurance benefits, the cost of their employer-based coverage has “more than doubled over the last decade,” a Los Angeles Times editorial states. It adds, “The data buttress the arguments in favor” of a bill that would allow state regulators to block health insurance rate hikes deemed excessive. However, the bill is “only a partial answer to the problem,” the editorial states, adding that the federal health reform law “should help slow the growth of medical expenses in the long term by improving how health care is delivered and paid for.” Los Angeles Times.