Latest California Healthline Stories
Los Angeles Health Care Woes Compounded by Budget Cuts
Los Angeles could receive $240 million less for health services if proposed state and federal cuts for Medi-Cal are approved. Los Angeles County officials and health care industry groups say the cuts will further undermine the area’s health care system, citing a decrease in the number of available hospital beds and increasing numbers of uninsured patients. New York Times.
California’s Agreements Over Rescission Practice ‘Historic’
The agreements between the California Department of Managed Health Care and Kaiser Permanente and Health Net to reinstate coverage and pay past medical expenses to nearly 1,200 California residents whose coverage had been rescinded “are historic,” DMHC Director Cindy Ehnes writes in an opinion piece. She concludes, “These agreements advance that goal and are the strongest pro-consumer actions achieved on behalf of rescinded Californians disadvantaged by the unfair practices of health plans.” Capitol Weekly.
California Attorney General Unveils System To Curb Rx Drug Abuse
With more than 86 million entries, California’s would be the largest online prescription drug database in the nation. Consumer groups are calling for privacy measures to be adopted before the database is launched, possibly in less than a year. Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily News.
Analysis Sees Increase in Beneficiary Costs for Medicare Drug Coverage
Research by Avalere Health indicates that six of the 10 largest Medicare prescription drug plans increased premiums this year, while four plans reduced premiums. On average, beneficiaries will pay 16% more for coverage through the plans. Los Angeles Times.
Racial, Geographic Gaps in Health Care Persist for Medicare Beneficiaries
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has found stark disparities in medical care for Medicare beneficiaries depending on their race and where they live, prompting the foundation to commit $300 million to an effort to address racial and geographic care disparities. New York Times et al.
Hispanic Teenagers Partake in More Risky Behaviors
Overall, risky behavior among teenagers continues to decline, but racial and ethnic trends show that Hispanics are at greater risk than blacks and whites for certain unsafe behaviors, such as using drugs, drinking alcohol or attempting suicide, according to a new CDC report. USA Today.
California Retirement Fund Reconsiders Tobacco Investments
The California State Teachers’ Retirement System is reconsidering its decision to avoid investments in the tobacco industry, despite some concerns about tobacco’s effects on health. A popular index shows that tobacco stocks have tripled in value since 2003. Sacramento Bee, Wall Street Journal.
Contra Costa County Mental Health Board Members Resign
The resignation of four members of the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission, a group mandated by state law to advise county supervisors on mental health issues, highlights a “philosophical split” among the commission. The resignations come as the county faces major cuts to its mental health system. Contra Costa Times.
Health IT Office Releases 5-Year Federal Strategic Plan
At an American Health Information Community meeting, HHS’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT released its 2008-2012 strategic plan, which focuses on efforts to boost access to electronic health information. ONC also requested an additional $6 million for its fiscal 2009 budget. Modern Healthcare.
Hurdles to Dental Care for Disabled Californians Could Follow Budget Cuts
Many dentists do not participate in Denti-Cal because of the low reimbursement rates, and a payment cut scheduled to take effect next month could drive more dentists from the program. Many people with disabilities rely on the program for dental care. Los Angeles Times.