Latest California Healthline Stories
Study: Rate of Uninsured Women Fell to Less Than 14% in 2014 Under the ACA
The percentage of women of reproductive age who lacked health insurance dropped since the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, according to a study released Tuesday by the Guttmacher Institute. According to the study, the percentage of uninsured women declined from 17.9% in 2013 to 13.9% in 2014. The drop was largely driven by an increase in the number of reproductive-age women insured through Medicaid. Vocativ.
Health Systems Plan To Increase Spending on Projects Amid Better Economic, Financial Outlooks
Health care systems are planning to increase spending on infrastructure, information technology and other projects amid improving financial outlooks and a growing economy, according to a survey from Fitch Ratings. Fitch compared health systems’ responses to this year’s survey to responses to a similar survey conducted in 2012 and found that 53% of respondents planned to increase capital spending over the next five years, up from 45% in 2012. In addition, 46% were planning to refinance this year, down from 55% in 2012, and 29% planned to issue bonds to fund their capital, down from 39% in 2012. Meanwhile, 17% expected capital expenditures to decrease, down from 19% in 2012. Modern Healthcare.
Aetna, Anthem Officials Defend Proposed Mergers
On Tuesday, Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini and Anthem CEO Joseph Swedish told the Senate Judiciary Committee’s antitrust subcommittee that consumers would benefit from their companies’ proposed mergers. In July, Anthem announced that it agreed to acquire Cigna for $48.4 billion, which would make it the nation’s largest insurer in terms of enrollment. Also in July, Aetna announced it reached a $37 billion deal to purchase Humana, which could make Aetna the nation’s second-largest insurer. During his testimony, Bertolini said the proposed Aetna-Humana merger “will enhance competition” by providing consumers with an alternative to many Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in the U.S. Likewise, Swedish said that Anthem and Cigna have overlapping business in a small number of markets. New York Times, Modern Healthcare.
IOM Report Calls for Collaborative Effort To Reduce Diagnostic Errors
An Institute of Medicine report finds that most people will experience one or more diagnostic errors in their lifetimes. The report calls for more effective collaboration in the diagnostic process among clinicians, patients and their families and improving provider training to address the issue. Hospitals & Health Networks et al.
Clinton Shares Health Care Reform Plan To Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
Former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has released a health care reform proposal that aims to curb consumers’ out-of-pocket health care costs and change hospital network rules. Clinton’s campaign says more health care reform proposals will be released “in the coming months.” Reuters et al.
Ongoing California Drought Causes Increase in Health Risks
The ongoing drought in California has increased health challenges for certain state residents. For example, a spike in air pollution has increased the risk of respiratory problems in some areas, and some regions are facing a higher incidence of West Nile virus and Valley Fever. HealthyCal.
Effects of Medical Marijuana Bills Would Vary Across Industry
A package of bills aimed at creating a regulatory framework for California’s medical marijuana industry likely would benefit some stakeholders, such as small farmers, lobbyists and unions. However, the legislation likely would have a negative effect on others, such as large-scale farm operations and caregivers. East Bay Express.
UC-Riverside Professor Defends Mobile Health App, Warns Against FTC Oversight
UC-Riverside Professor of Psychology Aaron Seitz is defending his vision improvement mobile application and warning against the Federal Trade Commission’s actions. Seitz and his business partner last week agreed to pay a $150,000 FTC fine for allegedly making false claims about UltimEyes’ efficacy. KQED’s “Future of You.”
Orange County Reports First West Nile-Related Death
Public health officials in Orange County have confirmed that an 80-year-old man died after contracting the West Nile virus, marking the county’s first virus-related death of the season. Officials said the man was among 28 Orange County residents who have been diagnosed with the disease this season. Orange County Register, AP/San Jose Mercury News.
CVS Pharmacy Stores in California, 11 Other States To Offer Overdose Reversal Drug Without Rx
CVS pharmacy is expanding the availability of the opiate overdose reversal drug naloxone without a prescription to 12 states, including California. The pharmacy currently offers the drug without a prescription in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In a release, the Drug Policy Alliance applauded the move, which will make the drug available at more than 50 CVS pharmacy stores in California. DrugStoreNews, Huffington Post.