Latest California Healthline Stories
Judge Might Halt Cuts to Mental Health Services in Sacramento County
Yesterday, a Sacramento Superior Court judge indicated that he intends to order Sacramento County to pull back from planned cuts to its mental health system. The judge said he likely would issue an official ruling on a preliminary injunction in several days. Sacramento Bee.
Poll: California Residents in Favor of Abortion Rights
A new Field Poll shows that about 71% of California voters support abortion rights, while 24% prefer to see stricter rules on access to abortion. Overall support for abortion has not changed significantly across the last three decades. San Diego Union-Tribune et al.
States Might Lose Funds for High-Risk Pools Over Policies Already in Place
Some states that established guaranteed coverage rules prior to the health reform law’s passage are worried that they might not receive federal funding for high-risk health insurance pools. The rules in question affect residents with pre-existing conditions. Politico.
Medical Groups at Odds With Insurance Firms Over Ratings Systems
The American Medical Association is leading a push against insurance company practices of grading physicians based on quality and cost. AMA argues that physician ratings are overly subjective and could hurt the doctor-patient relationship. Wall Street Journal et al.
Panel Mulls Plans for Linking Social Service Eligibility Data
The Health IT Policy and Standards committees’ enrollment work group is taking steps to help people who are enrolled in federal and state health and social services programs determine whether they qualify for benefits from other programs. During its meeting on Monday, the group examined a minimum set of standards, services and data elements that would be necessary for government agencies to electronically exchange program eligibility information. The work group must finalize its recommendations by Sept. 30 to meet requirements of the federal health reform law. Government Health IT.
Opinion: Pharmacists Could Help Fill Primary Care Gap
While the U.S. is expected to face a growing shortage of primary care physicians over the coming years, pharmacists “could help fill the gap” by helping patients with chronic diseases manage their conditions, R. Pete Vanderveen — dean of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Southern California — writes in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece. He concludes, “What we need is a new health care delivery model in which the primary care physician is complemented by a team of professionals and providers. Congress should enable pharmacists to become part of that team.” Wall Street Journal.
Santa Cruz Plan Would Alter Funding for Social Services
Last week, the Santa Cruz City Council approved a provisional plan from the Social Services Committee that would overhaul how the city allocates funding for social services agencies. The plan would provide for greater flexibility in determining where funding is needed most. The committee intends to receive final approval from the City Council by mid-October and have a new system in place by the end of January 2011. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
State Expands Target Groups for Whooping Cough Vaccination
A few weeks after declaring an epidemic of whooping cough, state health officials have expanded immunization recommendations to include children ages seven and older, women of childbearing age and adults ages 65 and older. Orange County Register et al.
Health Net Opens Up Silver HMO Plans in Northern Calif.
Los Angeles-based Health Net is expanding its Silver HMO system in Northern California by offering coverage in Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties. The network features discounts on health insurance premiums of up to 15% and access to about 21,000 primary care physicians and specialists. Health Net’s Bronze HMO network, which has lower premiums, is available only in the southern part of the state. San Francisco Business Times.
Obama Sends Berwick Nomination Back to Senate for Confirmation
On Monday, President Obama resubmitted the nomination of Donald Berwick for CMS administrator, two weeks after he appointed Berwick to the position through a recess appointment. Berwick needs Senate confirmation to hold the position indefinitely. CQ Today, Roll Call.