Latest California Healthline Stories
California Nabs $4.3M To Bolster Scrutiny of Health Insurance Rates
HHS has awarded $109 million help states boost oversight of health insurance rates. California received two grants worth about $4.3 million, but a state official said the state missed out on extra funds because it lacks the ability to reject rate hikes. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch” et al.
Reform Law Helped Drop Percentage of Young Adults Without Coverage
A new Gallup poll finds that the percentage of young adults without health insurance dropped from 28% to 24.2% after the implementation of a health reform law provision allowing adult children to stay on their parents’ health insurance plans until age 26. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
L.A. County Campaign To Target Rising STI Rates
On Monday, Los Angeles County officials rolled out a new education and testing campaign aimed at addressing the rising rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea among young black women in South Los Angeles. The campaign was launched in collaboration with the region’s church leaders. As part of the campaign, officials will increase access to no-cost home testing kits and information about sexually transmitted infections through touch-screen computer kiosks. Los Angeles Times, KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
UC Regents Support Ballot Measure on Tobacco Tax
Last week, University of California regents endorsed a ballot measure that would raise by $1 the tax on tobacco sales to fund medical research and smoking cessation programs. The California Cancer Research Act — which will appear on the June 5, 2012, presidential primary ballot — has been projected to raise more than $855 million annually for the research and education programs. Oakland Tribune.
Grocers, Union Reach Deal on Contract, Health Benefits
On Monday, officials with the United Food and Commercial Workers union announced that they have reached a tentative deal with three Southern California supermarket chains — Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons — on a new labor contract, ending seven months of negotiations and averting a potential strike. Details of the tentative deal will not be released until the contract has been ratified. However, a statement from the three grocery store chains said the agreement would “preserve good wages, secure pensions and access to quality, affordable health care — while allowing us to be competitive in the marketplace.” Los Angeles Times‘ “Money & Company,” Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Lawmakers Consider Changes to Military Retiree Benefits
Congress might recommend cuts to health and pension benefits for military retirees as a way to help reduce the federal debt. Health and pension benefits for active and retired servicemembers currently cost the federal government about $100 billion annually. Several lawmakers are releasing proposals to roll back military benefits, including reducing disability compensation for certain diseases. New York Times.
Lawmakers To Mull Stronger Student Vaccine Regulations
California Assembly member Nathan Fletcher said he will consider proposing legislation next year to address the public health risks of allowing students who have not been vaccinated against pertussis, or whooping cough, on school campuses. A new state law requires all students entering grades seven through 12 to produce proof of immunization or a personal belief exemption within 30 days of the start of the school year. However, lawmakers say that some schools have been defying the mandate by letting students who cannot show proof of immunization remain on campuses. Assembly member Dan Logue, vice chair of the Assembly health committee, said that allowing unvaccinated students to attend school can put other students at risk. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.
HHS Releases Additional Guidance on Insurance Exchange Partnerships
Yesterday, HHS issued further guidance on the federal-state partnership model that would allow the government to help states set up health insurance exchanges. HHS is accepting public comment on the proposed regulations and guidelines through Sept. 28. Modern Healthcare.
Bills To Boost Legality of Needle Exchanges Await Decision From Governor
Two measures that would legalize programs offering access to sterile syringes are before Gov. Brown. Supporters say the programs help keep individuals from using non-sterile syringes that could expose them to blood-borne diseases. Los Angeles Times, KQED’s “The California Report.”
Poll: People Aware of Long-Term Care Needs but Are Not Prepared
A California Partnership for Long-Term Care poll finds many Californians are aware of their need for long-term care in the future. However, few actually are preparing financially for the need, with 59% saying long-term care policies are too costly. HealthyCal.