Latest California Healthline Stories
Reform Law Programs Could Leave Out 220K Calif. Kids, Report Finds
A new policy brief from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research finds that as many as 220,000 California children could fail to obtain health insurance coverage because of restrictions on programs created under the federal health reform law. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Two Counties To Start Health Information Sharing Project
Riverside and San Bernardino counties are launching the Inland Empire Health Information Exchange, which will allow health care providers to exchange patient data. According to Dolores Green, executive director of the Riverside County Medical Association, about 15 hospitals and 2,000 physicians have agreed to participate in the program. Green said that the exchange will be funded by participating health care providers and that two pilot projects could begin later this year. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Kaiser To Raise Rates by an Average of 10.7% for 300,000 Policyholders
Kaiser Permanente is set to raise premiums by an average of 10.7% for about 300,000 policyholders in small-business plans. The rate hike, which will take effect Friday, could exceed 17% for some members. San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Business Times.
Legislature Passes Democrats’ Budget Plan, Sends it to Brown
Yesterday, California lawmakers passed a package of budget bills aimed at closing the state’s deficit. Gov. Brown is expected to sign the plan, which relies on spending cuts and $4 billion in higher-than-expected revenue. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Editorial Outlines Challenges Stem Cell Agency Head Faces
A San Diego Union-Tribune editorial states that Jonathan Thomas, the newly elected chair of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, “is clearly qualified” for the position. CIRM “is at its most critical stage since its creation” in 2004, the editorial continues, adding that Thomas’ “finance and banking background will be particularly important as CIRM seeks new and stable sources of funding.” The Union-Tribune adds that Thomas “must also bring strong and transparent management” to the agency and “navigate the highly political waters of California’s competing research centers.” San Diego Union-Tribune.
Analysis Questions Tests of Bone Growth Product Used in Spine Surgery
An analysis in the Spine Journal argues that previous studies of a Medtronic bone growth product used in spinal procedures failed to report adverse complications associated with the product, as well as potential conflicts of interest among researchers. New York Times et al.
UC-Davis Nabs $6.9M Grant for Alzheimer’s Research
NIH has awarded a five-year, $6.9 million grant to the UC-Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center to continue its research efforts on the causes of dementia. The center evaluates more than 200 new patients annually. The grant takes effect on July 1. Sacramento Business Journal.
Senate Committee Votes Down Measure on Hiring of Physical Therapists
A California Senate committee has rejected AB 783, which would have allowed physicians to employ physical therapists and refer patients to them. Opponents say the legislation would have created conflicts of interest for health care providers. Pasadena Star-News.
New Online Directory Allows for Comparing Care Quality
On Tuesday, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announced the launch of a new online directory of health care providers that allows consumers to compare the quality of care provided by physicians and hospitals. Organized by state, the directory features an interactive map that gives consumers access to 197 state and 27 national quality databases from not-for-profit organizations, health plans and government agencies. Los Angeles Times‘ “Booster Shots” et al.
Ventura County Still Working Out Details on Medi-Cal Shift
On Monday, the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission tasked Earl Greenia — CEO of Gold Coast Health Plan, the county’s new Medi-Cal managed care organization — with making a final decision on a formula for assigning Medi-Cal beneficiaries to physicians. Gold Coast Health Plan is scheduled to start administering Medi-Cal in Ventura County on Friday. Greenia said he would consult with a study group before issuing a decision. Ventura County Star.