Latest California Healthline Stories
Report: Smoking Rate in California Still Lower Than National Averages
A report from the state Department of Public Health finds that about 13.1% of California adults smoke, compared with about 21% of adults nationwide. State health officials also unveiled new anti-smoking advertisements that will begin airing Jan. 10. Los Angeles Times et al.
California Health Care Personnel News Update for December 2010
Outgoing Gov. Schwarzenegger has appointed Susan Kennedy and Kim Belshé to California’s new Health Benefit Exchange Board. Meanwhile, Janette Casillas has succeeded Lesley Cummings as the new executive director of the state’s Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board.
HHS Releases Proposed Rules on Rate Increases for Insurance Premiums
HHS recently issued proposed regulations under the health reform law that would force health insurance companies to justify premium rate hikes of 10% or more. According to HHS, the rate increases would be analyzed to determine if they are reasonable. New York Times.
New State Law Compels Health Plans To Resume Coverage for Children
A new state law that took effect on Jan. 1 has caused some state insurance companies to reverse their decision to stop offering child-only policies. The law prohibits insurers that do not offer such plans from selling coverage on the individual market. Los Angeles Times et al.
Several Health Reform Rules Went Into Effect on Jan. 1
Several provisions of the health reform law took effect on Jan. 1. The regulations include a 50% discount on brand-name prescription drugs for certain Medicare beneficiaries who fall into the “doughnut hole” coverage gap, a $2.5 billion tax on drugmakers based on sales volume, new medical-loss ratio rules for insurers and providing at no cost several preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries. Wall Street Journal, Washington Post.
Calif. Nursing Homes Begin Publicly Posting CMS Quality Ratings
California nursing facilities have started publicly posting information about how they scored in CMS’ five-star rating system for quality of care. Nursing homes that do not comply with the new state law mandating such postings could face possible fines. Ventura County Star et al.
Obama Signs Health Benefits Bill for Sept. 11 Responders
On Sunday, President Obama signed into law legislation that will provide health care and compensation to responders to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. Lawmakers reached a compromise to reduce the cost of the bill, which is projected at $4.2 billion. AP/Miami Herald.
State Misses Enrollment Mark in Kids’ Insurance To Obtain Federal Funds
California has failed to meet government health plan enrollment targets for uninsured children that were part of requirements to receive federal performance incentive payments. The state missed its goal by about 24,000 children. Sacramento Bee, New York Times.
More Than 60% of Hospital Workers Received Flu Vaccine
A state Department of Public Health report shows that 62.6% of California hospital employees have been vaccinated against influenza, exceeding the goal of 60%. Hospitals are required to provide onsite vaccination at no cost to workers. Central Valley Business Times.
Editorial Praises Proposition 99’s Effect on Smoking Rate
“In 1988, voters passed Proposition 99, which increased the tobacco tax,” and more than “$1 billion has been spent since then on an aggressive anti-smoking campaign,” a San Jose Mercury News editorial states. The Mercury News writes, “The adult smoking rate went from 22.7% in 1988 to 13.1% today,” and California has saved “an astounding $86 billion in health care costs.” The editorial concludes, “[I]magine the savings a serious obesity prevention campaign could produce.” San Jose Mercury News.