Latest California Healthline Stories
CalPERS Calls for California To Chip in $600M More Next Year
On Tuesday, CalPERS’ Benefits and Program Administration Committee unanimously voted to impose an 18% increase on California’s annual contribution to public employee retirement benefits, bringing the state’s total share to $3.88 billion annually. CalPERS oversees retirement and health benefits for public workers. AP/San Jose Mercury News, Sacramento Bee.
Mass. Reports Put Spotlight on Hospitals’ Reserve Funds
On Monday, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration released a report finding that hospitals in the state have billions of dollars in reserve funds. A separate report released by the Patrick administration found that 80% of acute care hospitals turned a profit in 2009, compared with 65% of the facilities in 2008. Massachusetts hospitals have come under increased scrutiny recently as state officials attempt to control health care costs. Boston Globe, AP/Boston Herald.
Obama Taps Varmus To Lead National Cancer Institute
On Monday, President Obama selected former NIH Director Harold Varmus to lead NIH’s National Cancer Institute. Varmus received a Nobel Prize in 1989 for studies on the genetic basis of cancer and served as director of NIH from 1993 to 1999. He currently is president of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Reuters et al.
UC-Irvine Opens New Facility Targeting Stem Cell Research
Last week, UC-Irvine opened a stem cell research institute that will focus on developing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injuries, macular degeneration and other conditions. The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine helped fund the creation of UC-Irvine’s facility and plans to open additional research centers at UCLA, the University of Southern California and four other California universities. Los Angeles Times.
Guidance Issued on Reform Law’s Tax Credit for Small Businesses
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a fact sheet on the eligibility requirements and benefits of the new health reform law’s small-business tax credit. Reaction to the guidelines was mixed, with business groups questioning how effective the tax credit would be. CongressDaily et al.
Southwest Healthcare Reaches Deal With CMS To Avert Funding Cutoff
Southwest Healthcare System has reached a deal with CMS to continue receiving Medicare funding past June 1. It is unclear how the federal agreement will affect the state’s plans to revoke the health system’s operating license. Los Angeles Times, Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Report: Fresno Mental Health Board in Need of Overhaul
A Fresno County grand jury report criticizes the county’s mental health services board, noting that the board only has seven members instead of 22 and that members do not work well together. The report recommended that the county Board of Supervisors recruit board members who represent the people the board serves. Fresno Bee.
AARP Report: Prices for Popular Medicare Rx Drugs Rose by 9.7%
A new AARP report finds that prices for brand-name drugs commonly used by Medicare beneficiaries increased by 9.7% during the 12 months ending in March. Meanwhile, prices for generic drugs commonly used by beneficiaries dropped by 9.7% during the same period. CQ HealthBeat.
Study: 36% of California Hospital Patients Readmitted Within Year
The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development released a report finding that of the 1.7 million people admitted to California hospitals in 2005, 36% were readmitted within a year. Readmissions represent about half of Medicare and Medi-Cal hospital costs in the state. Los Angeles County had the highest readmission rate in California. Sacramento Bee et al.
Gov.’s Budget Plan Aims To Boost Accountability at Calif. Nursing Homes
California nursing homes that do not meet minimum staffing levels would receive reduced reimbursements under proposals included in the governor’s revised budget plan. The proposal would require approval from the Assembly and Senate. California Watch/San Jose Mercury News.