Latest California Healthline Stories
Irvine Ranks First Among 100 U.S. Cities for Veterans Based on Economic, Health Metrics
Irvine ranked 1st overall for veterans among 100 U.S. cities in a study released by WalletHub. The rankings were based on 18 metrics, such as unemployment and patients’ willingness to recommend Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals in the area. Other California cities that ranked in the top 10 included San Diego and Sacramento. Meanwhile, San Diego ranked 1st in the U.S. for environment, education and health metrics for veterans. WSFA, Daily Caller.
SCOTUS To Hear Challenge to ACA’s Contraceptive Coverage Rules
The Supreme Court will hear several cases challenging an accommodation to federal contraceptive coverage rules for not-for-profits that hold themselves out as religious and oppose contraception. The cases will be consolidated into one and heard in early 2016, with a ruling issued before the end of June 2016. New York Times et al.
Insurance Commissioners Aim To Address ACA Health Plan Networks
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has released a proposal that contains recommendations to ensure health insurance companies selling plans through the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges have broad provider networks. NAIC drafted the proposal in response to consumers’ complaints about limited networks offered in such plans. New York Times.
Study: Cancer Outcomes Worse Among Medi-Cal Beneficiaries
A new study by researchers from UC-Davis’ Institute for Population Health Improvement finds that cancer patients who are enrolled in California’s Medicaid program have lower survival rates and are less likely to receive recommended treatments, compared with those who have other types of insurance. Kaiser Health News.
Experts Say Cancer Warning Labels for Meat Products Could Spur Legal Action
Industry advocates and legal experts expect the meat industry to go to court if California decides to add processed meat and red meat to a list of substances known to increase cancer risk that is maintained by the state under Proposition 65. Last month, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer — which California’s Office of Environment Health Hazard Assessment relies heavily on for guidance — released research finding that processed meats, such as bacon and hot dogs, can cause cancer. Sacramento Bee.
California Officials Report Another Flu-Related Death
Last week, the California Department of Public Health reported the first two influenza-related deaths of the flu season. Officials said a non-elderly adult in Santa Clara County and an infant in Stanislaus County have died from the illness. Officials are urging vaccination for children at least six months old and anyone who is in contact with infants who are too young to be vaccinated. AP/Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Calif. To Pay Overtime Wages to Home Care Workers Starting in Feb.
Starting Feb. 1, 2016, in-home care workers in California will be eligible to receive overtime wages. The announcement comes after an appellate court ruled in August that home health workers are entitled to receive overtime pay. However, union leaders say the overtime pay should go into effect sooner. Sacramento Bee, Department of Social Services announcement.
‘Defensive Medicine’ Could Lead to Fewer Errors, Malpractice Claims
A study conducted by researchers from Stanford University, the University of Southern California and other institutions finds that physicians with higher patient costs had a lower risk of future liability claims. The researchers say the findings might suggest that costly “defensive medicine” practices could reduce malpractice lawsuits. Modern Healthcare‘s “Vital Signs,” Latinos Health.
Two Massachusetts-Based Pioneer ACOs Leave Program
Two accountable care organizations in Massachusetts — Mount Auburn Cambridge Independent Practice Association and the Steward Health Care System — this week dropped out of CMS’ Pioneer ACO program, leaving just half of the original ACOs remaining. The departures coincide with a new round of ACO testing designed to address some disadvantages of the Pioneer program. Dubbed “Next Generation” ACOs, the new program will place more risk on the organizations, but also will allow the providers more freedom to use telemedicine and home visits. Modern Healthcare.
New UCLA-Developed Mobile App Notifies Users of Unhealthy Air Quality in Real Time
A newly released air quality mobile application developed by UCLA Health and the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability uses real-time data from monitors across the country. The no-cost app — called AirForU — enables users to find air quality readings based on city or ZIP code, as well as sign up for notifications for when air quality is at unhealthy levels. The app is available on Apple iOS and Android mobile devices. Health Data Management.