Latest California Healthline Stories
Arizona-Based Co-Op To Close at the End of the Year
Executives of an Arizona-based cooperative health insurance plan established under the Affordable Care Act were unable to secure additional financial backing, and the plan will cease operations on Dec. 31. CMS removed health plans offered by Meritus Health Partners and Meritus Mutual Health Partners from the federal exchange following an order for supervision filed by the Arizona Department of Insurance. The co-op did not consent to the order, which prohibited the company from writing new health coverage policies or renewing its existing policies. The health plan’s closure means that about 59,000 Arizona residents who had coverage through Meritus will have to find new coverage for 2016. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Majority of Calif. Fifth, Seventh and Ninth Graders Fail Fitness Test
About 26% of fifth graders, 33% of seventh graders and 38% of ninth graders in California passed a state-required physical fitness test this year. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said the findings are “a good reminder that all parents and role models need to encourage children to eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly.” Los Angeles Times et al.
Federal Exchange Sign-Ups Top 560K in Open Enrollment’s Third Week
The latest federal data show more than 560,000 U.S. residents signed up for health coverage through the federal exchange during the third week of the Affordable Care Act’s third open enrollment period, bringing the total number of sign-ups to nearly 1.6 million enrollees. According to the Obama administration, about one-third of those who signed up in the third week are first-time enrollees. The Hill et al.
Advocates, Officials Urge States To Update Laws That Criminalize HIV
Advocates and federal officials are calling on states to update HIV-specific laws that impose criminal penalties on individuals who expose others to HIV or fail to disclose their statuses to sexual partners. For example, a California-based coalition has drafted legislation that would remove HIV-specific language from such laws. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Calif. Developmental Disabilities Programs Face Financial Strains
Several California regional centers established under the 1977 Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act have had to shut down programs and services because of financial strains. Advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities have announced plans to protest the closures and financial issues on Dec. 10 at the state Capitol. KQED’s “State of Health.”
Rate of California Adult, Teen Smokers Dropped Last Year
Data from the California Health Interview Survey show that 11% of teenagers and adults in the state last year smoked, down from 12% in 2013. The data also show that less affluent and less educated residents were more likely to smoke. Sacramento Bee.
San Diego Alzheimer’s Association Chapter To Weigh Proposed Merger Agreement
The San Diego Alzheimer’s Association Chapter, along with 53 other independently run chapters, have until Jan. 15, 2016, to decide whether they will sign a merger agreement or continue operating independently after the association’s board voted to consolidate the charity organization. The San Diego Chapter’s board has not said when it will hold a vote on the issue. San Diego Union-Tribune.
California Ends State Control of Alameda Alliance for Health
Last month, California returned Alameda Alliance for Health, Alameda County’s public health insurance provider, to local control, citing the health insurer’s financial stability and customer service improvements. In 2014, Alameda Alliance was appointed a state conservator after reports that the insurer was not paying claims properly. San Jose Mercury News.
Many U.S. Residents Know Someone With Rx Drug-Related Substance Use Disorder
About 40% of U.S. residents say they know someone who had a substance use disorder related to prescription painkillers, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey released Tuesday. Of the nearly 40% of respondents who said they know someone with a prescription painkiller-related substance use disorder, 15% said a family member had the condition and 10% said a close friend had the condition. Further, 16% of respondents said they know someone who had died of a prescription painkiller overdose. Washington Post‘s “To Your Health.”
Insurers Ask HHS for Additional Guidance on Rule Prohibiting Transgender Discrimination
Health insurance companies are asking HHS for additional guidance to help them implement a proposed federal rule that aims to prohibit health care discrimination against transgender individuals. Many current enrollment and claims systems record an individual’s sex as male or female but do not allow for more specific information about an individual’s gender identity, which could lead to confusion. Kris Haltmeyer, vice president of health policy and analysis for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, said health plans hope HHS’ Office for Civil Rights will grant good faith compliance protection while insurers adjust to the change. Modern Healthcare.