Latest California Healthline Stories
Supreme Court Issues Rulings on Data Mining, Generic Drug Labeling
On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Vermont law limiting the use of physician data by pharmaceutical companies for drug marketing purposes. The court also ruled that generic drugmakers cannot be sued for failing to provide risk information. AP/Burlington Free Press et al.
Reductions to State Services Slated To Begin Next Month
On July 1, a number of cuts to health care and social services programs will take effect. Lawmakers approved the cuts in March in an effort to address California’s budget deficit. Some of the changes include a $1.5 billion cut to Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program; a $1 billion cut to welfare spending; and cuts to supplemental security payments that go to indigent individuals and residents with disabilities. Orange County Register.
CBO Predicts Federal Health Care Spending To Hit 10% of GDP by 2035
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that federal spending on health care could rise from 5.6% of gross domestic product this year to as much as 10% of GDP by 2035. CBO also said the gap between Medicare revenue and spending will continue to grow. Modern Healthcare.
Judge Upholds Requirements on Reporting of Hospital Infections
A San Francisco Superior Court judge has ruled that California hospitals must submit reports on infections associated with 26 types of surgeries. The judge is reviewing whether three additional procedures require infection reports. San Francisco Chronicle.
HHS Makes Available $500 Million To Help Improve Patient Care
On Wednesday, HHS announced the availability of $500 million in funds to help health care providers and organizations lower unnecessary hospital readmissions and cut medical errors. The funding comes from the federal health reform law. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” CMS release.
Final Member Named to Board of Health Benefit Exchange
On Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee appointed Robert Ross to the California Health Benefit Exchange Board, which is charged with overseeing the state’s health insurance marketplace under the federal health reform law. Ross is president and CEO of the California Endowment. Ross’ appointment fills the last opening on the five-member panel. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
AMA Calls for Further Study on Taxing Sweetened Drinks
During its annual policy-making meeting, the American Medical Association declined to take a stance on taxing sugar-sweetened soft drinks, saying the issue needs further study. Some AMA members said they oppose using taxation as a strategy to influence consumer behavior, while others expressed support for broader taxes on juices, high-caloric drinks and beverages containing artificial sweetener. Los Angeles Times.
California’s Ambulance Providers Struggle With Low Medi-Cal Payments
Ambulance service providers say they are forced to shift costs to private insurers because Medi-Cal covers only about one-quarter of the cost of an ambulance trip. Medi-Cal reimbursement rates for ambulance services have not increased since 1999. Capitol Weekly.
Merced County Program To Boost Pay for Preventive Care
The Central California Alliance for Health — a not-for-profit health plan that serves Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Merced County — recently started a pilot program to provide incentive payments to physicians who meet certain preventive care goals. The initiative will measure doctor performance on measures such as immunization rates, hospitalization rates and emergency department visits. Officials said they hope the program will encourage more physicians to accept Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Merced Sun-Star.
Dueling Opinion Pieces Weigh In on Workers’ Comp Measure
In a Capitol Weekly opinion piece, Tom Rowe — president of the California State Compensation Insurance Fund — writes that proposed workers’ compensation legislation is a “common sense” way to “reduce red tape” and “clarif[y] the ability of State Fund … to cover the out-of-state employees of the California companies that rely on it for their workers’ compensation insurance.” Meanwhile, Mark Sektnan — president of the Association of California Insurance Companies — writes in a Capitol Weekly opinion piece that the State Fund “is trying to have it both ways” by retaining its “preferential tax treatment and guaranteed market of California’s small employers while acting like a private insurer that operates in other states.” Capitol Weekly.