Latest California Healthline Stories
California Technology Official Weighs In on Health IT Goals
In an interview with Government Technology, Greg Franklin — the new deputy director of health information technology at the California Technology Agency — discussed his new role and his goals for helping the state build interoperable health IT systems. Franklin said CTA is examining ways to reduce costs by potentially consolidating the “various data warehouses and data systems across the state.” He also noted that the agency is interested in leveraging geographic information systems to map concentrations of uninsured residents or those with chronic health conditions so health care programs could better target certain regions. Government Technology.
Newly Eligible Medicaid Enrollees Less Healthy Than Current Enrollees
An analysis finds that newly eligible Medicaid beneficiaries are in worse health than current beneficiaries. The report says individuals could rely heavily on Medicaid when program eligibility expands under the health reform law. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” National Journal.
Lawmakers Start Process for Selecting Debt Panel; Entitlement Cuts Likely
Leaders in Congress have started selecting 12 members for a bipartisan committee tasked with making additional spending cuts under the recent debt agreement. The panel is expected to consider various strategies for reducing Medicare and Medicaid costs. Washington Post et al.
OSHPD Delays Billions in Hospital Construction Projects, Officials Say
Hospital officials say that budget cuts and increased regulation hamper the ability of California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development to move forward with construction projects. The projects are worth billions of dollars and could help boost the economy. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Study: Greater Coverage Not Linked With Fewer Safety-Net Patients
A new study looks at the effects of Massachusetts’ 2006 health reform law and finds that expanding access to health coverage does not necessarily lead to a decline in overall patient volume at safety-net hospitals and clinics. Los Angeles Times‘ “Booster Shots,” National Journal.
Officials Mull Possible Effects of Federal Credit Downgrade on California
State Treasurer Bill Lockyer has issued a statement saying the downgrade in the credit rating for long-term U.S. debt likely will not have an immediate effect on California. However, uncertainty remains about potential reductions to federal funding for Medi-Cal. AP/San Jose Mercury News et al.
Governor Signs Bill Clarifying Organ Donor Leave Conditions
Last week, Gov. Brown signed a bill on the state’s leave requirements for workers who donate organs or bone marrow. The bill clarifies legislation enacted last year. The new law states the 30 days of paid leave consists of business days, not calendar days, and it also requires employers to maintain their employee’s health benefits at the same level during the leave. The law — which was supported by the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Nurses Association — takes effect Jan. 1, 2012. Sacramento Business Journal, San Francisco Chronicle‘s “In Contra Costa Blog.”
Yolo County Kicks Off New Drug Discount Card Program
This week, Yolo County launched the Coast2Coast Rx discount prescription card program. Under the program — which covers more than 60,000 medications — residents could save an average of 55% on some brand-name drugs and 75% or more on some generic medications. The program also offers discounts for lab and imaging tests, as well as vision and dental services. Although the program is designed for uninsured and underinsured individuals, it is open to all residents. Sacramento Bee.
Pfizer, UCSD To Collaborate on Drug Development Research
On Monday, UC-San Diego and Pfizer announced the launch of a new pharmaceutical drug research collaboration that could provide up to $50 million to local scientists over the next five years. The research will be conducted at the Center for Therapeutic Innovation, which Pfizer is establishing at its La Jolla campus. For the project, UCSD researchers and Pfizer scientists will work together on drug development targeting cancer, clinical pharmacology, HIV, inflammation, metabolism, neuroscience and pain. San Diego Union-Tribune.
UC-Irvine Medical Students Get iPads for Digital Education
More than 100 students in the UC-Irvine School of Medicine’s class of 2015 have received an Apple iPad 2 as part of school’s iMedEd Initiative. The iMedEd program, which was launched with last year’s incoming class, aims to provide students with a digital medical education. Each iPad contains a course outline, notes, lecture slides and textbooks for the upcoming academic year. The students’ second-year curriculum also has been formatted for the iPad. The program is funded through 2015 with a $1.2 million donation by John Tu, the co-founder and CEO of Kingston Technology in Fountain Valley. Orange County Register‘s “OC Unwired,” Healthcare IT News.