Latest California Healthline Stories
Judge To Dismiss Lawsuit Challenging Calif.’s Assisted Suicide Ban
On Friday, a California judge said the court does not have the authority to declare the state’s ban on physician-assisted suicide unconstitutional. The judge said the issue must be resolved through the state Legislature or by voters via a ballot initiative. KQED’s “State of Health” et al.
UC-Santa Cruz Researchers Receive $2M Grant To Continue Human Genome Mapping Project
The W.M. Keck Foundation has awarded a $2 million grant to the UC-Santa Cruz Genomics Institute for its ongoing efforts to develop the Human Genome Variation Map. The project began as a one-year pilot project, and the grant will provide funding for an additional two years of research. Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Cost Transparency Efforts Increase as Rx Drug Prices Rise
As the price of many prescription drugs grows in the U.S., drugmakers are coming under increasing pressure to reveal information about development costs and profits. Within the last year, cost transparency bills have been proposed in legislatures in at least six states, including California. Federal lawmakers also have taken aim at the issue. Last year, two members of the Senate Finance Committee called for detailed cost data from Gilead Sciences, which produces a blockbuster hepatitis C treatment that costs about $1,000 per pill. New York Times.
Consumers’ Health Plan Satisfaction Linked to Out-of-Pocket Costs
A new survey by the Employee Benefits Research Institute and Greenwald & Associates finds consumers’ satisfaction with their health plans is significantly linked to their out-of-pocket spending. According to the survey, individuals with traditional health coverage were most satisfied with their coverage. Kaiser Health News.
Anthem Announces Deal To Acquire Cigna for $48.4B
Anthem has reached a deal to acquire Cigna for $48.4 billion. The combined company would have about 53 million customers, making it the country’s largest insurer in terms of enrollment. The deal, which requires approval from shareholders and federal regulators, is expected to close in the second half of 2016. Wall Street Journal et al.
Brown Convenes Panel To Review Study on Health Effects of Fracking
On Wednesday, Gov. Brown announced that he has created a panel to review a recent state-commissioned study that found there is a lack of data necessary to determine whether hydraulic fracturing is harming public health. Meanwhile, recent fracking regulations have sparked protests across the state. CBS Local 2, Aljazeera America.
Covered California To Add Two Insurers to Marketplace
Covered California is expected to add plans offered by UnitedHealth Group and Oscar to coverage options on the exchange. UnitedHealth will be limited to offering policies in five underserved regions in the state, while Oscar intends to sell coverage in larger Southern California markets. Los Angeles Times.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of July 24, 2015
BlueMountain Capital Management has agreed to make an initial $250 million investment in Daughters of Charity Health System. Prime Healthcare Services plans to issue $700 million in new debt to finance several acquisitions, including the purchase of six hospitals by the end of the year.
Former Calif. Rep. Tauscher Defends Employee Wellness Programs in Opinion Piece
In an opinion piece in The Hill’s “Congress Blog,” former Rep. Ellen Tauscher wrote, “Employee wellness programs … provide incentives, information and supportive communities to help employees and their families become healthier, limiting the impact of chronic disease and saving lives.” However, such programs are “under assault” by “misguided and ill-informed” regulations proposed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, she wrote. Tauscher added, “That said, the EEOC does have an essential role to play in guaranteeing freedom of access for these important programs. As such, I encourage the EEOC to ensure companies offer robust employee wellness programs aimed at helping employees take control of their healthcare choices.” The Hill‘s “Congress Blog.”
Calif. Air Resources Board Issues $1.75M in Penalties
The California Air Resources Board will collect more than $1.75 million in penalties against three companies. For example, Riverside-based K&N Engineering has agreed to pay $521,000 over alleged violations of the state’s Health and Safety Code. Sacramento Bee.