Latest California Healthline Stories
Most California Voters Support Extending Medi-Cal to Undocumented
A new Field Poll finds that 58% of California voters think the state should expand Medicaid coverage to all undocumented immigrants, up from 51% last year. Meanwhile, the Affordable Care Act for the first time is supported by majorities of California voters among all age groups, races and regions. Sacramento Bee, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
One-Fourth of Employers Offering Health Benefits Will Be Hit With ACA’s ‘Cadillac Tax’
One in four employers offering health care benefits will be subject to the Affordable Care Act’s so-called “Cadillac tax” in 2018, and 42% of employers will be affected a decade after that, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Under the ACA, employers that offer health plans with annual premiums of more than $10,200 for individuals or $27,500 for families will pay a 40% excise tax on the portion of the premiums that exceeds those thresholds. The tax is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2018. Some employers could begin making changes to benefits now to avoid the tax. Washington Times.
VA: Disability Claims Backlog at Lowest Level Since 2007
On Monday, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has reduced the number of backlogged disability claims by 84% since March 2013. VA Undersecretary for Benefits Allison Hickey said the current backlog of 98,535 claims is the lowest since the agency began recording such figures in 2007. VA officials attributed the decline in backlogged claims in part to mandatory overtime implemented three years ago and switching from paper to digital health records. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal.
Obama Admin: Late Tax Filers Risk Losing ACA Subsidies for 2016
The Obama administration is calling on households that received subsidies to help them purchase exchange coverage but have not yet filed complete tax returns for 2014 to do so. Officials say individuals who fail to file complete 2014 tax returns by Aug. 31 risk losing the subsidies next year. AP/Washington Times.
Study Reveals Limited Competition in Medicare Advantage Market
A new Commonwealth Fund study finds that about 97% of U.S. counties in 2012 had “highly concentrated” Medicare Advantage markets, suggesting “there is little competition.” The study found that just one county — Riverside, Calif. — had a competitive market. New York Times et al.
Pilot Programs Across California Aim To Address ED ‘Super-Utilizers’
Several pilot programs in California are using paramedics to treat patients before they need emergency care. Experts say such models could cut costs by reducing emergency department visits by so-called “super-utilizers,” but some stakeholders have raised concerns about the programs. Los Angeles Times.
6th Circuit Affirms Ruling for ACA’s Contraceptive Coverage Rules; 10th Circuit Issues Stay on Rules
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed its prior judgment that accommodations to the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive coverage rules for not-for-profits that hold themselves out as religious do not violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Meanwhile, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted a request to stay its earlier ruling upholding the accommodations while opponents of the contraceptive coverage rules ask the Supreme Court to consider their case. AP/Franklin Daily Journal, Reuters.
Editorial Highlights Importance of Digital Data Privacy Bill
A Sacramento Bee editorial argues that SB 178, which would require law enforcement agencies to get warrants before searching an individual’s mobile device for evidence of a crime, “would restore what should be a reasonable expectation of privacy — the same level we’ve long had for snail mail and landline phone calls.” The editorial notes that the rise in cyberattacks, including those targeting the health care industry, has caused some consumers to worry about the security of their data online. Sacramento Bee.
California-Based Rx Drug Companies Reach Nearly $500M Deal on Cancer Drug
San Francisco-based drug developer Medivation has entered a nearly $570 million deal to license a cancer-fighting drug acquired by San Rafael-based BioMarin Pharmaceutical in 2010. Under the deal, Medivation will pay $410 million to license the late-stage cancer drug, called talazoparib, worldwide and will pay an additional $160 million if the drug reaches certain milestones. San Francisco Business Times‘ “BiotechSF.”
Exchange Reconsiders Rule for Medi-Cal Enrollment Assistance
Covered California officials are considering replacing a policy that requires certified insurance agents and brokers to help individuals enroll in the state’s Medicaid program regardless of compensation. Under the proposed change, the exchange would allow agents to refer Medi-Cal applicants to county eligibility workers. State of Reform, Covered California presentation.