Latest California Healthline Stories
New Study Gauges Effects of Obesity on Health Care Costs
Obesity accounts for almost 17% of total medical costs in the U.S., or roughly $168 billion, according to new research released by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The study found that obesity adds more than $2,800 in costs to an individual’s annual health care bills. AP/Ventura County Star.
Consumer Watchdog Leaders: Obama Must Police Premiums
“Health insurance companies have declared war on President Obama’s health care plan” by attributing premium increases as by-products of the health reform law, “but the administration’s response so far has been limited to words,” Jamie Court — president of Consumer Watchdog — and Carmen Balber — Washington director for Consumer Watchdog — write in a Los Angeles Times opinion piece. The authors write that the president should “issue an executive order freezing all health insurance premium hikes until the companies comply with pricing provisions of the new federal law,” after which the Obama administration should “fight for real rate regulation that gives all state governments the power to reject unreasonable rates.” Los Angeles Times.
American Heart Association Adjusts Rules Governing CPR
On Monday, the American Heart Association issued new CPR guidelines based on recent research, which showed that chest compressions alone — instead of standard CPR including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation — are more effective at getting bystanders to help revive patients whose hearts have stopped. AHA noted that the mouth-to-mouth technique should still be used for children and patients with oxygen deprivation, such as those who nearly drowned or experienced a drug overdose. USA Today, AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Medi-Cal Payments to Tulare County Clinic Raise Questions
The Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency is overpaying physicians who treat children on Medi-Cal at Hillman Pediatric Health Care Clinic, health care advocates say. Bob Montion — former CEO at Tulare District Hospital — said it is “unreasonable” to pay $96 for an office visit. Montion said he may file a whistle-blower lawsuit under the False Claims Act. Fresno Bee.
Pérez Taps First 5 for Help Restoring Some of Governor’s Budget Cuts
Assembly Speaker John Pérez plans to ask First 5 to extend child care funding after Gov. Schwarzenegger eliminated a subsidy from this year’s budget. Last year, First 5 provided $81 million to help restore budget cuts to Healthy Families. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.
Questions Raised Over Proposition’s Effects on Teachers’ Health Costs
San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi says Proposition B would raise pension and health care contributions for city workers, with the exception of teachers. However, teachers’ groups argue that the ballot measure would raise teachers’ health costs. San Francisco Chronicle.
ProPublica Investigates Doctors Who Represent Pharmaceutical Industry
A ProPublica investigation finds that some physicians who promote the products of drugmakers have been accused of professional misconduct. For the investigation, ProPublica created a database of disclosures from seven companies. NPR’s “Morning Edition,” Boston Globe.
Report: Mortality Rate for Heart Surgery on Decline in California
State data show that the mortality rate for coronary artery bypass graft surgery in California has declined by 19% since 2003. Some physicians say the decline might stem from earlier diagnoses of heart conditions. Los Angeles Daily News, Torrance Daily Breeze.
Nurses at Oakland Hospital Return to Work After Strike
After a three-day strike over stalled contract negotiations, registered nurses at Children’s Hospital Oakland returned to work on Friday. The California Nurses Association, which represents 700 RNs at Children’s Hospital, objects to the proposed cost of health benefits for nurses. The hospital has cited the economic environment and rising health care costs as the reason for higher employee health coverage costs. Additional discussions over the contract have not yet been scheduled. San Francisco Chronicle.
Concerns Remain Over New Health Plan Pool for Pre-Existing Conditions
California will receive $761 million in federal funds to create a new health insurance pool for residents with pre-existing conditions. Advocates are questioning how many individuals will be able to apply for coverage through the pool. Contra Costa Times.