Latest California Healthline Stories
Few California Businesses Express Concern as New ACA Requirements Go Into Effect
On Jan. 1, the Affordable Care Act’s rules requiring businesses with 50 to 99 full-time workers to offer health coverage went into effect. Xiomara Peña, Southern California outreach manager the Small Business Majority’s California chapter, said there was little protest from businesses in the state as the rules went into effect. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Calif. Vaccine Law Opponents Fall Short on Effort To Recall Sen. Pan
Opponents of a state law ending personal belief exemptions to California’s childhood vaccination requirements failed to collect enough signatures to force a recall election of state Sen. Richard Pan, the bill’s author. Pan called the defeat of the campaign a “victory of science over the politics of fear and intimidation.” Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
VA Proposes New Guidelines To Lower Rx Copays for Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs has proposed new guidelines to lower copayments for veterans purchasing prescription drugs. Under its proposal, VA would replace its current policy of charging an $8 or $9 copay for a 30-day supply of a drug with a three-tier system with copays ranging from $5 to $11, depending on the type of drug. Modern Healthcare.
Challenge to Calif.’s ‘Right-to-Die’ Law Fails To Qualify for Ballot
On Monday, opponents of a new California law legalizing physician-assisted death in the state announced that they did not collect enough signatures for a referendum to overturn it. Opponents say they will consider other options to challenge the law, such as legal action. AP/Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News,” Los Angeles Times.
Some ACA Exchange Plans Cover PCP Visits With No Cost-Sharing
Health insurers in several markets are offering plans in the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges that cover in-network primary care provider visits with no cost-sharing requirements. Such visits are provided in addition to various other preventive services insurers must cover without cost-sharing under the ACA. Kaiser Health News.
California HealthCare Foundation To Launch Plan Aimed at Reducing C-Section Rates in the State
The California HealthCare Foundation will launch a plan early this year that aims to reduce cesarean section rates in hospitals across California. According to a report released last year, more than 27% of healthy women in the state deliver via C-section. A reduction in C-section rates could lead to cost savings and healthier outcomes for women and infants. KQED’s “State of Health.”
Calif. Senate Proposal Would Use Funding From Prop. 63 To Provide Housing to Homeless Individuals
On Monday, California state senators proposed a $2 billion plan that would use money from Proposition 63 — also known as the Mental Health Services Act — to provide permanent housing for homeless individuals, particularly those with mental illnesses. Prop. 63 imposes a 1% tax on residents with incomes greater than $1 million annually to provide mental health services. State Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de Leon León said, “First and foremost we have to stabilize” homeless individuals before mental health and drug treatment services can be provided. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
California Providers Incorporate Medical Scribes To Boost Efficiency
California providers increasingly are employing medical scribes, who record patient data for physicians, in an effort to boost efficiency under the demands of digital record keeping. CMS regulations penalize facilities that do not keep electronic health records. Sacramento Bee.
Experts Say Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes To Increase Significantly in California
Disease control experts say California will experience a significant increase in yellow fever and Asian tiger mosquitoes, which can carry diseases that can result in birth defects, painful illness and death. Experts say the mosquitoes spread quickly throughout the state in large part because of the higher-than-average temperatures in the summer and fall. Los Angeles Times.
Medicare To Require Prior Authorization for Knee Braces, Wheelchairs and Other Medical Equipment
CMS on Tuesday issued a final rule that will require prior authorization for Medicare to cover certain durable medical equipment. Examples of such equipment include knee braces, oxygen supplies, prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs. The rule will take effect within 60 days of its publication. USA Today, MedPage Today.