Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Calls for Hospitals To Obtain New License Prior to Ownership Changes
Sen. Ed Hernandez recently introduced legislation that would prevent hospitals and nursing homes from changing ownership unless they apply for a new license. Hernandez said health facility ownership changes can affect compliance with state mandates. California Watch.
Enrollment for Kids’ Health Study Starts in L.A. County
On Monday, researchers started enrolling 4,000 participants from 14 randomly selected Los Angeles County neighborhoods in the National Children’s Study. The study will follow 100,000 U.S. children from gestation through their 21st birthday to examine factors that could contribute to conditions such as autism, diabetes and obesity. Ventura County Star.
Health Care Challenges Hit Stanislaus County Residents
A series of reports examines health care issues facing residents in the Stanislaus County region. Topics include access to care, discussion on how to address the growing number of uninsured and difficulties individuals face with treating chronic conditions. Modesto Bee et al.
HHS Outlines Decade-Long National Immunization Effort
Last week, HHS announced a new 10-year plan to create new vaccines, increase access, promote public education, and advance research and development. The initiative — called the 2010 National Vaccine Plan: Protecting the Nation’s Health Through Immunization — marks the first update to the nation’s vaccine strategy since 1994. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” Modern Healthcare.
CBO Estimates Repeal of Health Reform Would Add $210B to U.S. Deficit
A new Congressional Budget Office report states that repealing the health reform law would add $210 billion to the federal deficit between 2012 and 2021. The report says implementing the overhaul would save the government $124 billion between 2010 and 2019. Reuters.
Catholic Healthcare West To Pay $9.1M To Settle Medicare Billing Issues
Last week, federal officials announced that Catholic Healthcare West had agreed to pay a $9.1 million settlement over allegations that seven of its hospitals submitted problematic Medicare claims between 1990 and 2000. Sacramento Business Journal, Redding Record Searchlight.
Calif. Assembly, Senate Budget Committees Pass Spending Plans
About six weeks after Gov. Brown unveiled his budget proposal, committees from both houses of the Legislature approved spending plans. Both plans would establish mandatory copayments for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Report: Hospital Chain Billing Medicare for High Malnutrition Rates
A new California Watch analysis finds that Prime Healthcare Services has reported higher rates of malnutrition among seniors than other nearby hospitals. Hospitals can receive larger Medicare reimbursements for certain malnutrition-related conditions. San Francisco Chronicle.
Editorial Draws Attention to Kids’ Health Plan Enrollment
A San Jose Mercury News editorial states, “Parents who don’t qualify for Healthy Families or Medi-Cal must now do their part” and “sign up their children for health insurance programs before the open-enrollment period closes” on March 1. The editorial summarizes how insurers are required to offer child-only plans with specific premium rules. It adds that uninsured children are more likely to go without needed medications, seek care in emergency departments and not have a pediatrician. San Jose Mercury News.
Eating Disorders Represent Issue for Some Californians
In its February edition of “Health Dialogues,” KQED’s “The California Report” looks at issues surrounding irregular eating patterns. Topics in the segment include anorexia, binge eating, bulimia and perceptions of body weight. KQED’s “The California Report.”