Latest California Healthline Stories
Assembly Member Monning Introduces Soda Tax Bill
On Thursday, Assembly member Bill Monning introduced a bill that would impose a penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda and sport drinks, to fund childhood obesity programs. The American Beverage Association has opposed soda taxes, and the bill likely will face resistance from Republican lawmakers who have pledged not to raise taxes. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Opinion: California To Reap Benefits of Health Reform Law
In a Capitol Weekly opinion piece, Robert Ross — president and CEO of the California Endowment — applauds Gov. Brown’s administration for moving forward with implementation of the federal health reform law. He writes, “Since the law’s passage, [health reform] has already begun improving the health of Californians.” Ross offers four suggestions for the state to collect additional funding under the federal health reform law. He adds, “Instead of wasting time in Washington-style posturing, this administration is going to make sure that it gets every benefit the new law allows.” Capitol Weekly.
Senate Panel OKs Medi-Cal Cost Increases, Reimbursement Cuts
California’s Senate Budget Committee has voted to increase Medi-Cal beneficiaries’ costs for certain health care services. The committee also agreed to cut Medi-Cal reimbursement by 10%. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
More Adults Delaying Health Care Because of Cost, CDC Report Finds
An annual report from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics finds that 15% of U.S. adults ages 18 to 64 reported delaying medical care because of cost in 2008, up from 11% of adults who did so in 1997. The report also looks other aspects of adults’ health. UPI.
Opinion Piece Stumps for S.F. Supervised Injection Clinic
In a San Francisco Chronicle opinion piece, Laura Thomas — head of the San Francisco office of the Drug Policy Alliance — argues that San Francisco should create “a legal, supervised injection facility” to help curb the spread of hepatitis C in the city. She notes that 27 cities around the world have similar facilities “where people can safely use illicit drugs such as heroin with sterile equipment and medical staff on hand.” She writes, “The evidence is conclusive that they reduce HIV and hepatitis transmission risks, prevent overdose deaths, reduce public injections, reduce discarded syringes and increase the number of people who enter drug treatment.” San Francisco Chronicle.
Editorial: Obama, GOP Must Be Realistic in Reform Talks
A Sacramento Bee editorial states, “The president has said that health care is the major driver of deficits.” However, President Obama “has to explain to the American people what in the new health law will reduce costs — and be honest that it will take a decade to achieve most savings. He also has to be aggressive in seeking even more ways to restrain costs,” the editorial continues. GOP House members “have to put realistic options on the table for providing affordable, cost-effective access to health care,” according to the Bee. It concludes, “Repeal is not a solution.” Sacramento Bee.
HHS Gives Arizona Go Ahead on Plan To Cut Medicaid Eligibility
In a letter to Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that when the state’s demonstration waiver to extend Medicaid coverage to childless adults expires in September, Arizona can decline a new demonstration waiver or pursue a different waiver. New York Times, Washington Post.
Kern County Unveils Health Care Tracking Database
On Tuesday, Kern County health care officials launched a new public database aimed at tracking the health needs of the community. The 2010 Community Needs Assessment is a joint effort by Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Delano Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, the Kern County Department of Public Health, Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield, San Joaquin Community Hospital and other local organizations. Bakersfield Californian.
California Wins Grant To Help Patients After Hospital Visits
California is one of five states that will share a total of $500,000 to assess how technology can help improve the transition out of the hospital for patients. In California, the project will enable patients to use a personal health record to manage chronic conditions and find resources. The funding was awarded by the Center for Technology and Aging, in association with the Administration on Aging and CMS. Healthcare IT News.
Flu Cases Rising in State, but Officials Say Vaccine Is Working Effectively
Flu cases in California are on the rise, with 597 cases reported statewide in the first week of February. Public health officials say that California residents should receive the flu vaccination and that the vaccine seems to be working effectively. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”