Latest California Healthline Stories
Survey: Many Calif. Voters Take Issue With State Spending Plan
A poll by the Los Angeles Times and the University of Southern California finds that once voters were told the details of California’s new budget, 55% said it was unfair to people like them. The budget includes cuts to health programs. Los Angeles Times.
Radio, TV Ads Plug Whooping Cough Vaccine Requirement
The Department of Public Health has launched a television and radio advertising campaign in English and Spanish this week reminding Californians about a new state law requiring middle and high school students to receive vaccinations for pertussis, or whopping cough, before entering school in the fall. Last week, the Legislature approved a measure that gives schools an extra 30 days from the start of classes to enforce the requirement. AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Higher Cost-Sharing for ‘Medigap’ Policies Could Curb Medicare Spending
A study finds that raising out-of-pocket costs for Medicare supplemental insurance plans, known as “Medigap” policies, could save billions of dollars annually. Some deficit-reduction proposals in Congress would increase consumer costs for Medigap policies. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Physician Shortage Could Hinder Calif. Bridge to Reform Program
Though California’s Bridge to Reform waiver aims to expand health care coverage to many uninsured adults and draw down federal Medicaid funds, officials say the program is not designed to address the persisting shortage of physicians. HealthyCal.
Few Californians Back Health Cuts To Pay More for Prisons
Most Californians oppose cuts in state services to pay for efforts to ease prison overcrowding, according to a new survey by the Los Angeles Times and the University of Southern California’s Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Only 12% of survey respondents said they would be willing to accept lower levels of state spending on health care services or education to pay for building more prisons. This year, California plans to spend $9.8 billion on prisons, making it the state’s third-largest general fund expenditure behind education and health care. Los Angeles Times.
Obama Open to Short-Term Budget Deal To Avoid Looming Default
Yesterday, White House officials said President Obama would consider a short-term budget and deficit-reduction deal to avoid a federal default on debt obligations on Aug. 2. The president continues to pressure Congress for a larger, long-term agreement. Washington Post et al.
Lawmakers, Advocates Concerned Over Planned Reductions to Medi-Cal
California lawmakers and health care advocates say that Gov. Brown’s proposed Medi-Cal cuts could force medical facilities to close and leave indigent residents with little options for care. The state is awaiting CMS approval on the proposed cuts. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch.”
Poll: Baby Boomers More Obese Than Other Age Groups
Obesity affects a greater percentage of baby boomers than other generations, putting them at greater risk of conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, according to a recent poll. The poll of 1,416 U.S. adults — including 1,078 baby boomers — calculated body mass index from respondents’ self-reported height and weight. It found that one-third of baby boomers were obese, compared with one-quarter of both older and younger respondents. It also found that many baby boomers are not meeting the weekly 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and strength training recommended to stay fit and fight muscle loss as they age. AP/Boston Globe.
Express Scripts To Purchase Medco Health in $29.1B Deal
On Thursday, Express Scripts announced that it has signed a merger agreement to buy Medco Health Solutions in a deal valued at $29.1 billion in cash and stock. The two firms are the largest pharmacy benefit management companies in the U.S., handling a combined total of more than 1.7 billion prescriptions in 2010. The agreement is expected to close in the first half of 2012, pending approval from shareholders and federal regulators. Wall Street Journal, AP/Sacramento Bee.
CHW, Kaiser Offer Funds for Calif. Healthy Food Initiative
Two major California health systems plan to contribute a combined $3.5 million to the $200 million California FreshWorks Fund, a new initiative aimed at bringing grocery stores into California regions that have been deemed “food deserts.” Catholic Healthcare West announced that it would contribute $2.5 million to the effort, and Kaiser Permanente announced plans to provide $1 million to the fund. The fund — which was announced on Wednesday by first lady Michelle Obama — is the result of a joint effort led by the California Endowment and various industry groups. San Francisco Business Times.