Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Would Mandate Maternity Coverage in Individual Health Plans
Legislation introduced by Sen. Noreen Evans would require all individual health insurance policies to include maternity benefits. If the bill is enacted, it would give California a head start on forthcoming changes mandated in the federal health reform law. Ventura County Star.
Calif. Ranks Above Average in National Well-Being Poll
The well-being of California residents ranks above the national average, according to the latest Gallup-Healthways Well-Being poll. The poll is based on a survey on access to basic necessities, emotional health, healthy behaviors, life evaluation, physical health and work environment. California received a 67.5 well-being score out of 100, exceeding the national average score of 66.4. Hawaii topped the list with a 71.1 score, while West Virginia placed last at 62.4. Orange County Register, Bay Citizen.
Study: Hookah Use Up 40%, Mainly Among Young Adults
Although California’s cigarette smoking rates have declined in recent years, a new American Journal of Public Health study by UC-San Diego and San Diego State University researchers found that hookah use increased by 40% statewide between 2005 and 2008. Previous studies have concluded that hookah smoking, which involves inhaling water-cooled tobacco, has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking. The study found that hookah use is most prevalent among adults ages 18 to 24, men, whites and those with a college education. Los Angeles Times‘ “Booster Shots,” California Watch.
Prison Doctors’ Pay Higher in California Than in Other States
Compensation packages for California prison medical professionals are higher than packages in other large states, such as Florida, New York and Texas. Last year, nearly 100 California prison physicians received at least $300,000. Bloomberg.
Editorial: Senate Should Pass Insurance Rate Oversight Bill
On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to vote on a bill that would authorize the state insurance commissioner to approve, deny or modify changes in health insurance rates, making it “the most important health care legislation in California this year,” a San Jose Mercury News editorial states. According to the editorial, two proposed amendments to the bill would establish an appeals panel and allow large groups to negotiate health insurance rates on their own. The editorial states that the amendments should be considered “as long as the final deal gives the commissioner sufficient power to protect the public.” San Jose Mercury News.
State Mental Hospital Issues in Spotlight at Assembly Panel Hearing
On Tuesday, mental health care officials told an Assembly committee that they are struggling to hire staff for California’s mental health hospitals. Panel members also heard recommendations to reduce violence at facilities. Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Obama Administration Challenges Court Ruling on Care for Veterans
The Obama administration has challenged a ruling by a federal appeals court in San Francisco that would allow veterans groups to seek court action to force the Department of Veterans Affairs to accelerate care for veterans with mental health issues. San Francisco Chronicle.
FDA Calls for Funding Boost To Enforce Food Safety Law
FDA officials say that budget cuts could negatively affect their ability to implement the Food Safety Modernization Act, which was enacted in January. The law authorizes increased government authority and involvement in food-related recalls and inspections of processing plants. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that FDA will need hundreds of millions of dollars to implement the law, but the agency is unlikely to receive the additional funds. FDA officials say that without additional funds, it will not be able to conduct inspections of foreign food required by the law and will struggle to increase domestic inspections. New York Times.
CMS Launches Payment Bundling Initiative To Improve Care, Cut Costs
In an effort to foster care coordination and reduce costs, CMS has unveiled an initiative to bundle Medicare payments to health care providers. The new system reimburses health care providers for a patient’s entire treatment process rather than for each service. Reuters et al.
NIH Releases Updated Conflict-of-Interest Rules for Researchers
On Tuesday, NIH updated its conflict-of-interest rules for researchers, lowering the amount of money that constitutes a financial conflict. The new rules are designed to prevent scientists from diverting public funding for their personal profit. National Journal et al.