Latest California Healthline Stories
Analysis: California Not Among Most-Costly States for Retiree Health Care
The health care costs for a 55-year-old California resident who retires is projected to be $5,854 in the first year and $239,526 over a lifetime, according to a recent analysis by HealthView Services. The analysis found that Michigan had the highest retiree health care costs at $6,152 for the first year and $252,915 over a lifetime, while Hawaii has the lowest costs at $4,713 for the first year and $188,575 for a lifetime. Time.
California, Other States Reimburse Providers Who Were Banned From Medicaid in Other States
About 300 providers banned from participating in Medicaid in one state still were able to receive Medicaid reimbursements from another state, despite regulations designed to prohibit it, according to a report from HHS’ Office of Inspector General. For instance, New Mexico provided Medicaid reimbursements to 33 providers who had been banned from another state’s Medicaid program — the most in the country. Meanwhile, California paid out $1.7 million to providers who had been banned in other states — the highest reimbursement total in the nation. Reuters.
Calif. Bill Would Eliminate State Funding for Clinics That Provide Fetal Tissue for Medical Research
On Monday, Assembly member Jim Patterson introduced legislation, called the Fetal Tissue Exploitation Prevention Act, that aims to bar state funding for health care clinics that provide fetal tissue for medical research. The bill comes in response to the release of videos of officials from StemExpress — a company that provides human tissue and other specimens to researchers — discussing the sale of aborted fetuses for research and the firm’s link to Planned Parenthood. Sacramento Business Journal.
CDC: Health Care Coordination Can Reduce Spread of Infections
A new CDC report recommends health care facilities adopt a coordinated approach to curb the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. The report found that the infections, which cause about 75,000 deaths annually, can spread when patients move from one health care facility to another. Washington Post et al.
1.8M Households Could Lose ACA Subsidies Over Tax Return Issues
The Department of Treasury says about 1.8 million households that received subsidies to help purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges could lose the financial assistance in 2016 because of issues filing tax returns. IRS and HHS are reaching out to households at risk to resolve issues before the next open enrollment period begins Nov. 1. AP/New York Times.
FDA Recommends Additional Cleaning Measures for Specialized Medical Scope
On Tuesday, FDA released a set of additional safety measures that hospitals can use to clean specialized medical scopes, called duodenoscope. FDA said hospitals should meticulously follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions after use and recommended that hospitals also consider using chemical sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization and microbiological culturing to identify any bacteria that could be present on the scopes after cleaning. MedPage Today‘s “Gupta Guide.”
UC-Davis Team Awarded $8.5M CIRM Grant To Treat HIV/AIDS Patients With Lymphoma
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded an $8.5 million grant to a team of researchers at UC-Davis who are working on developing treatments for patients who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and lymphoma. Using the grant, the team will conduct a clinical trial using a patient’s own blood stem cells and genetically modifying them to improve the immune system. Sacramento Business Journal.
Study: Stronger State Review Authority of Insurance Rates Helps Constrain Premium Increases
Strengthening state-level prior approval authority over health insurance rates in the individual market could constrain premium increases, according to a study published in Health Affairs. The study found that state rate review authority between 2010 and 2013 was associated with a 10 percentage point lower rate of premium increases. Health Affairs.
Calif. Bill Would Reduce Liability Issues To Boost Defibrillator Access
A bill by state Sen. Jerry Hill aims to modify current state law regulating the use of automated external defibrillators. The bill would reduce how often AEDs must be tested and eliminate existing cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification requirements. San Jose Mercury News.
Blue Shield To Repay $82M; Anthem, Kaiser Say They Owe No Rebates
Blue Shield of California owes $82.8 million in rebates to consumers and small employers for failing to spend at least 80% of premiums on medical care, as required under the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, Anthem and Kaiser Permanente say they do not owe any refunds. Los Angeles Times.