Latest California Healthline Stories
Medicare Concerns Could Influence Midterm Elections
Concern over how the federal health reform law could affect Medicare benefits has prompted some elderly U.S. residents to reconsider voting for supporters of the overhaul during upcoming midterm elections, according to political analysts. Experts say elderly U.S. residents could be crucial in elections for 28 of the 46 Democratic-held House seats that the Cook Political Report considers “tossup” races. Kaiser Health News/USA Today.
Report: California Offers Key Lessons on Rolling Out Successful ACOs
A report from the Integrated Healthcare Association finds that California’s experiences with accountable care organizations offer 10 lessons for health care providers seeking to pursue such systems under the health reform law. Modern Healthcare, Becker’s Hospital Review.
San Joaquin County Plans for Restructuring of Local Clinics
San Joaquin County officials have set up a new not-for-profit organization to restructure several local clinics in an effort to increase federal funding for the centers. The county is seeking applicants for an 11-member Clinics Community Board, which would oversee the new not-for-profit organization. Stockton Record.
Vote Dave Jones for Insurance Commissioner, Editorial Says
Voters “should be aware” that the California insurance commissioner “is an important state office that will play a vital role in guiding the implementation of the federal health care reform measure,” an Oakland Tribune editorial argues. The editorial adds that Assembly member Dave Jones “has an avid interest in consumer protection and in implementing” reform at the state level, while Jones’ opponent, Assembly member Mike Villines, “seems to lack passion for helping consumers and an enthusiasm for the job.” Oakland Tribune.
HHS To Provide $335M in Grants for Community Health Center Expansion
On Tuesday, HHS made available $335 million in funds for community health centers, which primarily serve low-income and underinsured populations. The grants will be put toward increasing access to health care services. The Hill‘s “Healthwatch,” HHS release.
California To Receive More Than $1M From Settlement With Bayer
Yesterday, attorneys general in California, Illinois and Oregon announced a $3.3 million settlement with Bayer AG over allegations that the company misled consumers by claiming that its multivitamin reduced the risk of prostate cancer. Reuters, Los Angeles Times “L.A. Now.”
Medi-Cal Could Grow to 10.5M Enrollees by 2019, Report Finds
A new California Budget Project report estimates that the federal health reform law could expand Medi-Cal to cover 10.5 million residents over the next nine years. The program currently covers more than seven million Californians. “California Watch Blog.”
Debate Emerges Over Panel That Recommends Physicians’ Medicare Pay
A physician panel assembled annually by the American Medical Association to suggest payment rates for Medicare providers is facing criticism over potential conflicts of interest. CMS has accepted more than 94% of its recommendations. Wall Street Journal, Kaiser Health News.
Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan Officially Opens in California
As of last week, state officials had received more than 830 applications for the federally funded health insurance pool. The pool, created under the health reform law, is expected to cover about 23,000 Californians at a time. San Francisco Chronicle et al.
Sacramento Neighborhoods See High Infant Death Rates
Experts say the limited availability of health programs and prenatal medical care might be contributing to relatively high infant mortality rates in two Sacramento neighborhoods. Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood has an infant mortality rate of one per 95 births and the Del Paso Heights neighborhood has an infant mortality rate of one per 110 births, according to a Sacramento Bee analysis of state health data between 2004 and 2008. In comparison, the statewide infant mortality rate is one per 196 births. Sacramento Bee.