Latest California Healthline Stories
Fresno County ADHC Facility Will Shut Down This Week
Saint Agnes Adult Day Health Center in Fresno County will close on Friday. Officials say the closure stems from the elimination of the program as a benefit under Medi-Cal in the state budget. Saint Agnes is one of 17 adult day health care centers in the state that have shuttered this year. Without Medi-Cal funding, more of the state’s 300 ADHC centers are expected to close. Fresno Bee.
HHS Official Overseeing State Health Insurance Exchanges Leaving Post
Joel Ario is stepping down from his position as director of HHS’ state-based insurance exchange office in September. Although state officials are concerned that the change could be disruptive, HHS officials say they anticipate a smooth transition. CQ HealthBeat et al.
HHS Backs Recommendations on Women’s Preventive Care
On Monday, the Obama administration announced that it will adopt an Institute of Medicine panel’s recommendation that health plans starting next year provide no-cost coverage of certain women’s preventive health services, including contraception. Under the federal health reform law, plans that start on or after Aug. 1, 2012, are required to cover preventive services without copayments, co-insurance or deductibles. The administration also released an amendment that permits religious entities that offer their own health plans to choose whether to cover contraceptive services. HHS noted that the religious exemption applies to not-for-profit groups that have the inculcation of religious values as their purpose, primarily employ individuals who hold certain religious beliefs and primarily serve a population with those religious tenets. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch, CNN.
San Mateo Retiree Benefits Tied to Unused Sick Days
An arrangement between San Mateo County and six unions, which represent most of the 5,700 county employees, allows workers to exchange unused paid sick leave for monthly, post-retirement health care contributions from the county. Officials note that the county is one of only a few that links post-retirement medical benefits to unused sick time. Nicole McKay, the county employee relations manager, said the system offers two advantages: workers are encouraged to stay as healthy as possible, and the county saves money in overtime costs to cover for workers who call out sick. San Jose Mercury News.
Study: Growing Number of U.S. Children Relying on Public Health Plans
A new study concludes that an increasing number of U.S. families are relying on public health plans to provide coverage for children, likely because of factors such as job loss and changes to private plans. HealthDay, United Press International.
Governor Signs Bill To Ban Caffeinated Beer in California
On Monday, Gov. Brown signed into law a bill that will prohibit beginning Jan. 1 companies from producing or selling beer that contains caffeine in California. The bill, by Sen. Alex Padilla, is in response to several health-related incidents that occurred after consumption of such beverages. California is the seventh state to ban beer that contains caffeine. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal,” Bloomberg.
Two S.F. Bay Area Medical Groups Complete Merger
Brown & Toland Physicians and Alta Bates Medical Group announced on Monday that they have completed a merger to become one company. The new Brown & Toland Physicians has nearly 1,500 physicians, more than 140,000 HMO members and more than 175,000 PPO members in the San Francisco Bay Area. Richard Fish will remain the CEO of Brown & Toland, while James Slaggert — former CEO of Alta Bates Medical Group — has become senior vice president of business development of the new entity. San Francisco Business Times.
Statewide Program Aims To Improve Diagnosis, Treatment of Sepsis
A statewide program that is designed to train health care workers on how to treat the blood infection sepsis is under way. The program is part of a three-year, $6 million initiative to boost patient safety and reduce medical costs in California. Sacramento Business Journal.
House Approves FY 2012 Compromise Budget, Deficit-Reduction Plan
Yesterday, the House approved the fiscal year 2012 budget and deficit-reduction plan that President Obama and congressional leaders reached over the weekend. The deal could have significant effects on Medicare, Medicaid and the health reform law. New York Times et al.
Three-Member Health Industry Alliance Cut Costs by $20 Million
An alliance of three state health care groups slashed costs by more than $20 million last year. Catholic Healthcare West, Blue Shield of California and Hill Physicians Medical Group targeted their efforts for 41,500 Blue Shield policyholders. Los Angeles Times.