Latest California Healthline Stories
Alameda County Board Finalizes Adoption of Laura’s Law
On Tuesday, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors finalized the adoption of Laura’s Law, which allows involuntary treatment of individuals with severe mental illness. The county board is moving forward with the implementation of a five-slot pilot program. San Jose Mercury News.
Congress Reaches Budget, Tax Deals With Health Care Implications
Congressional leaders say they have reached a budget agreement that includes a $1.1 trillion omnibus budget measure to fund federal agencies through fiscal year 2016 and a $650 billion tax package. The agreement, which lawmakers are expected to vote on this week, includes several health care- and Affordable Care Act-related provisions. AP/Sacramento Bee et al.
Researchers Call for Systemic Change To Address Opioid Rx Process
Researchers say a systemic change to how health care providers prescribe certain medications is needed to address growing prescription drug misuse in the U.S. New research finds 57% of painkiller prescriptions are written by 10% of providers who prescribe such medications. Kaiser Health News et al.
Covered California Extends Deadline To Get Coverage Effective Jan. 1
Covered California has granted a two-day extension for consumers to sign up for health plans that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2016. Peter Lee, executive director of the exchange, said the grace period was granted due to a recent spike in demand. Sacramento Bee, KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Spike in CalPERS’ Rx Spending Driven by Specialty Drug Costs
A report by CalPERS’ Pension and Health Benefits Committee finds that the pension fund’s prescription drug spending increased by 7.5% last year, driven in large part by specialty drug costs. Spending on specialty drugs, such as new hepatitis C treatments, increased by 32% and accounted for nearly a quarter of the fund’s total drug spending. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
Davis Officials Continue Discussions on Sugary Drink Tax
On Tuesday, the Davis City Council voted to continue discussing revenue-generating measures to help meet infrastructure needs, including a sugary beverage tax. The council will ask city staff to conduct more outreach in the community and research potential implications for such a tax. The council, which is considering other measures, in mid-February will choose which proposals to put on the June ballot. Sacramento Bee.
Orange County Cities Are Banning Marijuana Use Amid Legal Challenges to State Law
On Monday, the Dana Point City Council unanimously voted to ban all uses related to marijuana in response to litigation regarding California’s medical marijuana law. Similar ordinances are being adopted by other cities in Orange County, such as Santa Ana, which voted Tuesday to reaffirm a ban on marijuana cultivation and delivery. Orange County Register.
Complaint Alleges Discrimination Against Latinos in Medi-Cal
A complaint filed with HHS’ Office for Civil Rights alleges that California has discriminated against Latinos in the state’s Medicaid program. The complaint argues that the state’s low reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal providers “effectively denies health care access to Latinos and other” beneficiaries. KQED’s “State of Health” et al.
Health Care Organizations Launch Initiative To Increase Patients’ Access to Their EHR Notes
On Tuesday, several health care organizations — including the San Francisco-based Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation — announced a joint initiative to increase patients’ access to notes in their electronic health records through the OpenNotes program. The organizations will provide $10 million in funding over three years to help expand the OpenNotes program to 50 million patients. The initiative could help increase transparency in patient care. Health IT Analytics.
State Regulators Could Help Decide Whether Insurer Mergers Move Forward, Experts Say
While focus has been on the Department of Justice’s role in deciding whether to approve proposed mergers between some of the nation’s largest health insurers, state regulators could play a key role in whether the mergers are permitted. In July, Anthem announced that it agreed to acquire Cigna for $48.4 billion. Also in July, Aetna announced it reached a $37 billion deal to purchase Humana. Experts say the companies will not be permitted to merge in states that reject the proposed deals. If enough states reject the mergers, or if the mergers are rejected in just a few states with large populations, the companies could drop the deals because of their reduced financial strength. Modern Healthcare.