Latest California Healthline Stories
Judge: Secular Group Should Qualify for Exemption From Federal Contraceptive Coverage Rules
On Monday, a federal judge ruled that March for Life, a not-for-profit group that opposes contraception, is eligible for an exemption from the federal contraceptive coverage rules, even though the organization is secular rather than religious. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon said HHS violated the 5th Amendment’s equal protection clause by denying March for Life an exemption to the contraceptive coverage rules while exempting houses of worship. In his ruling, he wrote that such actions amounted to “regulatory favoritism.” The federal government is expected to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. New York Times.
La Jolla-Riford Library Launches Public Biotechnology Lab
The La Jolla-Riford Branch Library has launched a public biotechnology laboratory that aims to increase public knowledge, assist entrepreneurs and teach students about biotech jobs. The lab includes microscopes, DNA copying machines and a 3D printer for public use, and will be overseen by volunteer scientists. Rep. Scott Peters attended the official opening of the lab on Tuesday and said it would be a “test case” for adding biotech labs at other locations. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Report Finds Drop in Percentage of Americans Foregoing Needed Medical Care Because of Costs
The rate of U.S. residents who skipped necessary health care because of cost dropped to 4.4% in 2014, down from nearly 6% the previous year, according to a CDC report released Tuesday. The report — based on data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey — did not include reasons for the decline. However, observers note the change coincides with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansions under the law and an improving national economy. CNBC, Washington Post‘s “To Your Health.”
CIRM Opens World’s Largest Stem Cell Bank To Facilitate Research
Yesterday, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine opened the world’s largest stem cell bank. The facility aims to help researchers develop treatments for common genetic diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and autism. Sacramento Bee et al.
Perceptions of Mental Health Care Improving; Access Issues Remain
A new survey shows nearly 90% of respondents view mental and physical health care as equally important. However, one-third of respondents said mental health services are inaccessible and 40% cited cost as a barrier to accessing treatment. HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report.
Audit: Blue Shield of California Executive Pay Jumped 64% in 2012
A California Franchise Tax Board audit finds that Blue Shield of California paid nearly 60 executives a total of $61 million in 2012 — a 64% increase from 2011. The findings come as the insurer fights to regain its tax-exempt status, which was revoked by the state last year. Los Angeles Times.
New Medicare Advantage Pilot To Test Value-Based Insurance Design
CMS’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation has announced a new pilot program that will reduce Medicare Advantage beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket costs in an effort to encourage them to use high-quality services and lower program costs overtime. The five-year program will begin Jan. 1, 2017. Modern Healthcare, CMS fact sheet.
‘Right-To-Die’ Bill Advances in Special Session Committee
Yesterday, the Assembly Public Health and Developmental Services Committee — under the Legislature’s special session on health care — approved a bill that would legalize physician-assisted death. Assembly member Susan Eggman said she would include in the language an amendment requiring patients to reaffirm their consent. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
California officials and union leaders have reached a tentative three-year deal that would incrementally increase state engineers’ contributions toward their retirement health care benefits from .5% of their salary in 2017 to 2% by 2019. In addition, the state would pay 80% of the average health care premium for new employees during retirement, compared with 100% for current workers. The deal — which is the first labor agreement to address rising retiree health care costs since Brown made it a goal this year — is subject to approval by the Legislature and the full union. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Judge Rules That Whistleblower Is Not Entitled to Any Money From Settlement Over Medi-Cal Payments
On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge John Walter ruled that a whistleblower who was involved in a case that led to a settlement between the government and SCAN Health Plan in 2012 was not entitled to receive any of the settlement money. In 2009, Jim Swoben — a former SCAN employee — filed a lawsuit against the health plan alleging that it hid from the state duplicative or overlapping payments from Medicare and Medi-Cal. State and federal authorities later recouped more than $320 million in excess payments from a settlement with SCAN. SCAN did not admit wrongdoing in the settlement. In the ruling last week, Walter said Swoben is not eligible to receive any of the settlement money because the information used in his lawsuit already was publicly released before the suit was filed. Modern Healthcare.