Latest California Healthline Stories
Heart Procedure Rates in Bakersfield, Fresno Among Highest in State
A new study finds the rates of angiographies and angioplasties in the Fresno and Bakersfield regions are among the highest in the state. Some physicians say the higher rates could be the result of a primary care physician shortage. Fresno Bee, San Francisco Chronicle.
Fresno Entity Snags $1.2M To Help Children Stay Insured
Fresno Healthy Communities Access Partners has received a $1.2 million grant from the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act to help children retain health insurance coverage. The grant will help the not-for-profit group implement the Web-based One-e-App system to support enrollment in public health plans such as Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. Fresno Business Journal.
Lawmakers Advance Insurance Oversight, Epilepsy Drug Bills
A Senate committee has approved a bill that would let officials reject health plan rate increases, while an Assembly panel passed a bill that would let non-medical personnel administer anti-seizure medication. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Sacramento Bee.
State Employees Misused California Funds, Audit Finds
A new report released by the California Bureau of State Audits on Thursday shows that Arthur Kassel, a Department of Mental Health employee appointed by former Gov. Wilson, was paid more than $51,000 to attend high-profile celebrity events that Auditor Elaine Howle said did not benefit the agency or the state. The report also found that a state psychologist employed at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation used state equipment during regular work hours to conduct business for his private practice, costing the state more than $212,000 in lost productivity over five years. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker” et al.
Many Unemployed People Forgo Care Because of Cost
Nearly three out of four unemployed U.S. residents have skipped necessary care or did not fill a prescription because of concerns about cost, according to a study by the Commonwealth Fund. The study found that 72% of unemployed U.S. residents avoided recommended tests or treatments, did not go to a physician or clinic for health issues, passed up seeing a specialist or did not fill a prescription because of cost. The study also found that 27% of unemployed U.S. residents could not afford necessities such as food or rent because of medical bills. United Press International et al.
Advocacy Groups Urge CMS Officials To Reject Proposed Medi-Cal Cuts
A consortium of 33 patient advocacy groups has sent a letter to CMS urging the agency to reject Gov. Brown’s proposed cuts to Medi-Cal. The letter expressed concern about the potential negative effects of the cuts on patients’ access to care. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Calif. Agency Among Recipients of Funds for Public Health Initiatives
HHS has announced $137 million in grants to health agencies to strengthen preventive care and screening initiatives. California received funds for several programs, including boosting public health immunizations and monitoring vaccine effectiveness. Modern Physician et al.
CBO Predicts Delay for Health Reform Law’s CLASS Program
On Wednesday, the Congressional Budget Office in its latest budget and economic outlook projections reported that implementation of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act — a long-term care insurance program created by the federal health reform law — likely will be delayed for one year. Although the program originally was slated to start collecting premiums in 2012, CBO said that “based on the pace of implementation actions thus far,” it does not expect the program to begin until 2013. As recently as March, CBO was estimating a 2012 start. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Institute of Medicine Finds No Link Between Immunizations, Autism
For a new Institute of Medicine report, researchers reviewed more than 1,000 studies and found no evidence suggesting a link between vaccines and autism. The report finds that vaccines are associated with certain adverse effects only in rare cases. New York Times et al.
Opinion: AB 52 Would Lead to More Regulation, Higher Costs
A bill that would allow state regulators to block health insurance rate hikes that are deemed excessive “purportedly is designed to protect consumers,” but it “ignores the cost of doing business,” Small Business Action Committee President Joel Fox writes in a San Jose Mercury News opinion piece. He writes, “Ironically, the increased cost of regulation will find its way to consumers, either through increased costs or reduced services,” adding, “Unless some check is put on the driving force behind health care costs, reducing premiums will only serve to limit services.” Fox concludes, “Whatever AB 52’s true intent, the real world consequence will be more regulation, higher costs and little progress toward solving the problems associated with increased medical costs.” San Jose Mercury News.