Latest California Healthline Stories
Stanislaus County Health Agency Hit by Deficits
The future of the county’s Health Services Agency depends on gaining a federal designation that could bring in $6 million from the federal government. Golden Valley Health Centers opposes the county’s application for the designation. Modesto Bee.
Contra Costa County Takes Aim at Retiree Health Costs
Contra Costa County’s $2.6 billion liability for future retiree health care costs is equivalent to that for five major California counties combined. County supervisors are beginning to set aside funds to reduce the shortfall. Contra Costa Times.
States Seek To Offset Effects of Medicaid Reimbursement Cuts
At least four states have passed bills to offset the effects of a proposed CMS rule by increasing fees for Medicaid prescriptions. The increases would require approval from CMS, although it is unclear whether the agency will sign off. Wall Street Journal.
Senators To Seek Registry of Pharmaceutical Gifts
Senators at the close of a hearing on drug industry practices that influence physicians recommended the creation of a national registry of gifts and payments from pharmaceutical companies to doctors. However, the pharmaceutical industry maintains that their practices already are regulated. New York Times et al.
San Francisco Begins Outreach for Health Care Access Program
Beginning next week, some uninsured residents will be enrolled in the new Health Access Program, although a lawsuit challenging a key funding mechanism for the program is unresolved. San Francisco is the first city in the U.S. to offer such a program. San Francisco Chronicle.
Exit of UC-Riverside Leader Won’t Derail Medical School
The university’s plans to build a medical school remain on track. UC-Riverside is working to raise $200 million to $300 million in private funds over the next 10 years to support the medical school, and it expects to enroll its first class of medical students in the fall of 2012. Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Most Undocumented Immigrants Lack Insurance, Poll Finds
Nearly 50% of undocumented immigrants from Latin American countries seek care from a clinic or physician when they are sick, while one-quarter visit an emergency department and another quarter do not seek care, according to a new survey. New America Media.
Compromise Measure Maintains Services at L.A. County Hospital
County health officials warned supervisors that moving to close the hospital could strain efforts to prepare for an upcoming federal inspection that will help determine whether the facility will retain its state license and federal funding. Los Angeles Times.
Study Questions End Result of Shifting Rx Drug Costs to Workers
Health policy experts say findings from the study suggest that higher copayments could translate to worse health outcomes for workers, compromising productivity. The study indicates that better compliance with medication orders reduces disability claims. New York Times.
Massachusetts Health Care Law Set To Take Effect
A survey finds that Massachusetts residents support the new law, although officials are scaling back expectations for how many uninsured residents it will provide coverage to. Boston Globe et al.