Latest California Healthline Stories
Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Blue Shield’s Doctor-Rating Database
A judge has ruled that Blue Shield of California’s online physician-ranking database is a form of protected speech that helps consumers. A California Medical Association lawsuit argued that the system is misleading and contains inaccurate data. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.
Assembly Bill Targets Stores That Sell Tobacco to Minors
On Friday, Assembly member Jerry Hill introduced a bill that would crack down on retailers that sell cigarettes to minors. Under the legislation, retailers with three violations in two years could have their tobacco sales licenses suspended, while retailers with five violations in five years could have their permits revoked. Currently, a retailer cannot lose its license unless it is caught selling cigarettes to children at least eight times in two years. San Jose Mercury News.
State Sees Record Reduction in Cases of Tuberculosis
California had 2,329 reported cases of tuberculosis in 2010, the lowest number ever recorded since officials began collecting such data in the 1930s. San Francisco also saw a record low rate of TB cases last year at 98 cases, the first time the city had reported fewer than 100 cases. Statewide, the TB rate was six cases per 100,000 individuals in 2010. San Francisco Chronicle.
Individuals Enrolled in High-Deductible Plans Spend Less on Care
A RAND study finds that people with high-deductible health plans generally spend less on health care than those who have coverage with lower deductibles. According to the study, many people with high-deductible plans cut down on preventive services. Boston Globe.
Legislature Approves Bill on Adult Children’s Coverage
The California Legislature has passed legislation that would exempt any employer-sponsored health insurance coverage for adult children of employees from taxes. If the governor signs the measure, California would forgo $40 million in yearly tax revenue. AP/San Jose Mercury News.
Americans Spend More on Health Care Than U.S. Government Predicts
In 2009, U.S. residents spent $363 billion on health care, 14.7% more than official estimates from the federal government, according to a new report. The study looked at costs not associated with health care providers, insurance or medication. Healthcare Finance News.
Report: Reform Law To Have Little Effect on Job Growth
The federal health reform law will have little effect on overall U.S. job growth, despite a modest boost to the health care sector’s job market and wages, according to a new report from the Urban Institute. The report noted that the total increase in spending under the overhaul between 2010 and 2019 is expected to be 0.25% of the Gross Domestic Product, which likely would be too small to affect the overall U.S. economy. Healthcare Finance News.
Los Angeles Labor Accord Would Hike Health Costs
On Thursday, Los Angeles city and union leaders announced a deal that would have members of the Coalition of L.A. City Unions contribute 2% of their salary toward retiree health care benefits starting April 1 and increase their contribution to 4% by July. Currently, the city covers affected members’ cost of retirement health care coverage. Under the change, which must be ratified by members, workers also would forgo salary increases and overtime pay, while the city would end furloughs and avert future layoffs. Los Angeles Times et al.
Brown Signs Budget Measures Involving Major Health Cuts
Yesterday, Gov. Brown signed several bills to tackle $11.2 billion of the state’s $26.6 billion deficit. One of the measures slashed $1.7 billion from Medi-Cal by reducing reimbursement rates and capping coverage for physician visits. Contra Costa Times et al.
Drug-Resistant Bacteria Discovered at Southern California Hospitals
Los Angeles County researchers have found 356 cases of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae at health care facilities in Southern California. Officials said hospitals are aware of the issue and are working to contain the drug-resistant bacteria. Los Angeles Times et al.