Latest California Healthline Stories
Sacramento City Council Panel Advances New Medical Marijuana Cultivation, Transportation Rules
New rules aimed at regulating the cultivation and transportation of medical marijuana have been advanced by the Sacramento City Council’s Law and Legal Committee. Under the rules, dispensaries would be allowed to relocate and change their management. The full council is expected to vote on the rules on Dec. 10. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Medicare Premiums To Rise for Some Beneficiaries in 2016
The Obama administration has announced Medicare premium rates for 2016. While the majority of Medicare beneficiaries will see no changes in their monthly premiums for outpatient care in 2016, premiums for new beneficiaries will increase. AP/Modern Healthcare.
Senate Parliamentarian Allows Bill To Dismantle ACA To Proceed
The Senate parliamentarian says a budget reconciliation measure that would repeal some of the Affordable Care Act’s major provisions can move forward if lawmakers make some changes to ensure the bill complies with Senate reconciliation rules. Politico et al.
Report: Calif. Law Enforcement Officials Show Resistance to Prop. 47
A new report finds California law enforcement officials have shown “a disappointing level of resistance” to Proposition 47, which aims to reduce the state’s prison and jail populations. Among other things, the report says policymakers should encourage local criminal justice and health agencies to focus on solutions to meet community health and safety goals. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now,” ACLU of California report.
California’s In-Hospital Breastfeeding Rate Rises, but Racial, Ethnic Gaps Remain
More than 90% of new California mothers in 2014 tried breastfeeding during their hospital stay, according to new data released by the state Department of Public Health. The data show the rate of in-hospital breastfeeding rose nearly three percentage points between 2010 and 2014. However, racial and ethnic disparities continue. For example, three out of five African-American, Asian, Pacific Islander and Hispanic women exclusively breastfed their newborn while in the hospital, compared with four out of five white women. Sacramento Bee.
Calif. Has 36th Lowest Uninsured Rate in U.S., Report Finds
A new WalletHub report finds that California’s uninsured rate reached 12.45% in 2014 — the 36th lowest rate in the country. In comparison, the national average was 11.7%. Meanwhile, California between 2010 and 2014 saw an increase in the number of residents enrolled in health coverage. Pacific Business News et al.
California Providers Report Few ICD-10 Transition Issues
California health care providers reported few problems after transitioning from ICD-9 to ICD-10 code sets. Molly Weedn, associate vice president of public affairs for the California Medical Association, said there have been some reports of claims denials related to coding errors, but most issues have been easily resolved between providers and insurers. HealthLeaders Media.
Taxpayer-Funded Universal Health Care Plan Qualifies for November 2016 Colorado Ballot
Colorado residents next year will vote on a ballot measure that would opt the state out of the Affordable Care Act and implement a taxpayer-funded universal health care system. Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams on Monday announced that supporters of the initiative had gathered enough signatures to qualify the measure to be placed on the ballot for the November 2016 election. If the initiative is successful, Colorado could become the first state to opt out of the ACA by implementing statewide universal health coverage. AP/Sacramento Bee, Washington Times.
Anthem Launches Zero-Premium Medicare Advantage Plans for Sacramento, Yolo Counties
Last week, Anthem Blue Cross launched two zero-premium Medicare Advantage plans that are available to consumers in Sacramento and Yolo counties. The plans include access to providers with Mercy and Hill Physicians Medical Group. The plans have no copays for dental, hearing or vision benefits and also includes access to a fitness program. Margaret Reilly, program manager for the Sacramento-based Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program, said that while the plans will be less expensive in the short-term, “[y]ou’re going to pay for it anyway in deductibles and copayments.” Sacramento Business Journal.
Brown Administration Looking for Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation Chief
Gov. Brown’s administration is seeking a leader for the state’s Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation. The position will be responsible for the bureau’s management, oversight, operations and policies. According to the job listing, compensation for the position is $9,634 to $10,734 per month. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”