Latest California Healthline Stories
AHA Urges DOJ To Investigate Anthem-Cigna Acquisition
This week, the American Hospital Association sent a letter to the Department of Justice asking antitrust regulators to investigate whether Anthem’s planned acquisition of Cigna would increase health care costs. AHA argued that the acquisition could reduce health plan competition in 817 geographic markets, which serve 45 million consumers. Reuters.
The Assembly Committee on Health has approved a bill, by state Sen. Tony Mendoza, to ensure that children’s day camps follow the state’s Health and Safety Code. Under the bill, day camps will be required to provide a notice to operate to their local health department and install carbon monoxide detectors in certain buildings. The measure now will be considered by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Contra Costa County Press.
Eli Lilly Shifts Alzheimer’s Research Funding to USC
Drugmaker Eli Lilly has announced that it will shift funding for Alzheimer’s disease research from UC-San Diego to the University of Southern California. The move comes after a San Diego Superior Court judge ruled that UC-San Diego controls a major research project on Alzheimer’s disease. USC has filed a countersuit for control of the nationwide cooperative study. AP/KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Research Shows Health Coverage Expansions Do Not Lead to Savings
Research shows that expanding health insurance coverage and access to preventive care does not automatically result in savings. CMS actuaries predict 5.5% growth in health care spending for 2014, the largest bump in five years, potentially related to increased health coverage. New York Times‘ “The Upshot.”
Draft Order Mandates Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors
Under an executive order drafted by President Obama, federal contractors and subcontractors would be required to provide their employees with at least 56 hours, or about seven days, of paid sick leave. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans have stalled a bill that would guarantee employees’ access to paid sick leave. New York Times et al.
Obama Signs Calif. Lawmaker’s Bill To Help Veterans Save for Care
A bill by California Rep. Mike Thompson allowing certain veterans to participate in health savings accounts has been signed into law. Meanwhile, three separate lawmakers from California have introduced legislation that would help homeless veterans receive medical care by moving them into Department of Veterans Affairs housing. Lake County Record-Bee, Los Angeles Times.
Proposal for Pension Benefit Changes Could Be Illegal, CalPERS Says
In a letter, CalPERS CEO Anne Stausboll argues that a proposal to require California to put any pension and retirement benefit changes to a public vote could violate a state law that protects workers from benefit changes after they are hired. Reuters, Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
Report: California Tobacco-Related Cancer Prevention Policies Lagging
A new report by the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network finds that California’s policies aimed at reducing tobacco-related cancer rates are falling behind those in other states. However, the report notes that California has strong policies regarding other cancer-prevention efforts, such as tanning-bed bans. Sacramento Bee, ACS CAN release.
Yelp, ProPublica Team Up To Expand Health Care Listings
Under a new partnership with ProPublica, the consumer-review website Yelp have added data on thousands of health care providers to its listings. Yelp executives say the goal is to make CMS data easily accessible and understandable for consumers. Washington Post‘s “To Your Health.”
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department agreed to federal oversight of its jail system, following federal charges of inmate abuse by deputies and poor treatment of inmates with mental illnesses. Among other things, the agreement calls for new training for workers and new booking protocols for individuals suspected of having a serious mental illness. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”