Latest California Healthline Stories
Brown Rejects ‘Right-To-Try’ Legislation To Expand Access to Experimental Medications
On Sunday, Gov. Brown vetoed a bill that aimed to give patients with terminal illnesses greater access to experimental medications by allowing those who had tried all other viable treatment options to request drugs that have not yet been approved by FDA. In a message to lawmakers, Brown said that FDA already allows terminally ill patients to try experimental drugs through its compassionate use program, noting, “Before authorizing an alternative state pathway, we should give this federal expedited process a chance to work.” San Jose Mercury News.
Obama Administration Says Expanded Mental Health Coverage Under ACA Addresses Gun Violence
The Obama administration is touting expanded access to mental health coverage under the Affordable Care Act as a way to address gun violence in the U.S. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the administration is looking into potential executive actions that could help to address gun violence in the U.S, but added that such efforts would not be as effective as action through Congress. Roll Call‘s “POTUS Operandi.”
CMS Releases Updated Star Ratings for Dialysis Centers
On Thursday, CMS released updated ratings for dialysis centers. In the latest ratings, 586 dialysis providers received five stars, 1,172 received four stars, 2,339 received three stars, 1,169 received two stars and 575 received one star. Modern Healthcare.
U.S. Outspends Other Nations on Health Care, Has Worse Outcomes
A new Commonwealth Fund report finds that out of 13 high-income countries around the world, the U.S. spent the most on health care in 2013, at 17.1% of gross domestic product and $9,086 per person. The report also shows the U.S. had the lowest life expectancy, at 78.8 years. HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report.
Calif. Office of the Patient Advocate Releases Ranking of HMOs, PPOs
A new California Office of the Patient Advocate report ranks Kaiser Permanente’s HMOs and Anthem Blue Cross and Cigna’s PPOs as the highest in the state based on performance in several measures. The report aims to help residents make decisions during the Affordable Care Act’s upcoming open enrollment period. Los Angeles Times.
DMHC Approves Blue Shield’s Acquisition of Care1st Health Plan
The California Department of Managed Health Care has approved Blue Shield of California’s $1.2 billion acquisition of multi-state Medicaid insurer Care1st Health Plan. Under the agreement, Blue Shield must permanently relinquish its not-for-profit tax exemption and invest $200 million to strengthen care delivery. Los Angeles Times et al.
UC-Davis Researchers Awarded $15.5M NIH Grant To Create New Whole-Body Imaging Device
NIH has awarded a team of UC-Davis researchers a five-year, $15.5 million grant to build an imaging device that can scan the entire body while reducing scanning time and radiation exposure. The device will combine two technologies — positron emission tomography and computerized axial tomography, known as PET and CAT scans, respectively — and officials say it could change the way cancers are monitored and treated. Sacramento Business Journal.
2M Have Signed Up For Health Plans Through Covered California
Yesterday, Covered California announced that more than two million consumers have enrolled in health plans through the exchange since its launch. Meanwhile, about 700,000 enrollees have dropped their exchange coverage, mostly because they switched to employer-sponsored plans. Orange County Register et al.
Officials: Policyholder Deaths Outpace New Enrollees in CalPERS’ Long-Term Care Insurance Program
The total number of policyholders in CalPERS’ long-term care insurance program is declining in part because policyholder deaths are outpacing new members, according to CalPERS spokesperson Bill Madison. According to Madison, the rate of policy holder deaths is seven times the rate of new policyholders entering the program. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
St. Joseph Hoag Health, Cigna Unveil Partnership To Offer Orange County Employers New Health Plans
On Wednesday, St. Joseph Hoag Health and health insurer Cigna announced a partnership to offer Orange County employers more affordable health plans that will improve employees’ health. The health plans, which take effect Jan. 1, 2016, will offer health coaching and wellness programs. Orange County Register.