Latest California Healthline Stories
Calif. Taps UMass Center To Help Identify Dual Eligibles
The California Department of Health Care Services has awarded a two-year, $7.3 million contract to the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Center for Health Care Financing to help identify California residents who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. The collaboration is expected to identify about 1.1 million dual eligibles and save California nearly $100 million during the two-year period. Mass High Tech.
Report Finds Disparities Across U.S. for Cancer Care at End of Life
End-of-life care for cancer patients varies widely by geographic region and hospital, according to a new study from the Dartmouth Atlas Project. The study’s lead author says that the report indicates a need for more dialogue about medical care at the end of life. Washington Post et al.
Central California Alliance for Health Poised for Expansion
The Central California Alliance for Health provides health insurance coverage to about 200,000 residents of Merced, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties who are enrolled in Medi-Cal and other health plans. CCAH plans to expand over the next few years to accommodate an expected growth in Medi-Cal enrollment resulting from the federal health reform law. Merced Sun-Star.
Federal Officials Launch New Innovation Center for Medicare, Medicaid
On Tuesday, CMS officials introduced the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, as required by the health reform law. The center aims to test various health care delivery and payment strategies, with the goal of reducing costs and improving care. CQ HealthBeat et al.
UCSF Partners With Pfizer To Establish Research Network
Drugmaker Pfizer will give UC-San Francisco up to $85 million across five years in support of a new Center for Therapeutic Innovation, which will include a network of researchers who will study new medications and therapies. Under the partnership, Pfizer will set up local centers at various sites to work directly with medical personnel. San Francisco Business Times.
Vallejo Considers Health Cuts To Address City Bankruptcy
Vallejo city officials are evaluating a five-year budget plan from interim City Manager Phil Batchelor that, in part, would cut payments for retiree health care premiums to reduce city spending by roughly $100 million annually. The city filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy in May 2008. The City Council is expected to discuss the proposal on Nov. 30, and if approved, the plan could be submitted to a U.S. bankruptcy judge in January. Bloomberg.
Report: Hospital Adverse Events Affect Numerous Medicare Beneficiaries
A new report from HHS’ Office of Inspector General finds that about one in seven Medicare beneficiaries experiences adverse medical events while hospitalized. Researchers note that about 44% of the adverse events were “clearly or likely preventable.” USA Today, New York Times.
California Medical Board Falls Short in Disciplining Physicians
The Medical Board of California rarely revokes medical licenses and its complaint resolution time often exceeds state standards. The board and state officials are undertaking efforts to streamline the investigation process. AP/Ventura County Star.
Kaiser Vice President Touts Benefits of EHRs for Business
A “fully functional” electronic health record system can give health care providers “24-hour access to a patient’s up-to-the-minute medical history, which means treatment is more coordinated,” but “the benefits of [EHRs] don’t stop at the hospital or medical office building door,” Kaiser Permanente Vice President Tom Carter writes in a Fresno Bee opinion piece. Carter writes that businesses can “obtain aggregated high-level data to help encourage their employees to be healthy,” and employers “can use this information to better support employee health needs through targeted workplace health programs and activities.” Fresno Bee.
Concerns Raised Over Fresno County’s Mental Health Cuts
During a recent meeting of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, a group of health care providers expressed concern that the closure of Fresno County’s psychiatric crisis center has driven more people with mental health issues to seek care at hospital emergency departments, which often are ill-equipped to handle such patients. County Administrative Officer John Navarette said he has formed a task force to examine the issue and develop a plan of action by December or January. Fresno Bee.