Latest California Healthline Stories
Right-To-Die Bill Unlikely To Pass in 2015 After Stalling in Assembly
Yesterday, the authors of a bill that would legalize physician-assisted death in California pulled the measure from an Assembly health committee hearing amid continued opposition. As a result, observers say the bill is unlikely to pass this year, but supporters have vowed to continue pursuing it. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal” et al.
CalPERS Initiative Shows Potential of Reference Pricing Programs
A blog post in Health Affairs highlights a CalPERS initiative that limited prices for certain surgeries as an example of how reference pricing can offer “meaningful choices to consumers and savings to purchasers, with no sacrifice of quality.” However, the authors note that there are several limits to how reference pricing programs should be used. FierceHealthPayer, Health Affairs.
Study: Young Adults Often Lack Understanding of Potential Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs
Young adults often are concerned about the cost of health coverage but frequently do not understand how out-of-pocket costs can add up, according to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Specifically, the study found that most young adults could not accurately define basic insurance terms, such as deductibles and copayments. Reuters.
Tri-City Healthcare District Awards $475K in Community Health Grants to 22 Not-for-Profits
Tri-City Healthcare District has awarded a total of $475,000 in grants to 22 local not-for-profits to improve community health. The grants, which range from $2,300 to $63,237, will support community programs that focus on various health issues, such as hospice care and helping teens and their families handle mental health crises. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Calif. Prison in Norco Receives Passing Health Care Grade
On Friday, the California inspector general gave medical care at the California Rehabilitation Center at Norco a passing grade, despite concerns from lawmakers that the prison clinics are unsafe and should be closed. The state is working to regain control of its prison health care system, which has been under federal control for nearly a decade. AP/Long Beach Press-Telegram.
Orange County Medicaid Program Sends $8.9M to About 500 Providers To Resolve State Billing Error
CalOptima, Orange County’s Medicaid program, has sent $8.9 million to about 500 providers to resolve a state billing error. The error occurred when the state reimbursed 785 providers a total of $15 million from the wrong Medi-Cal fund from July 2011 to May 2013, according to the California Department of Health Care Services. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. Orange County Register.
California Among States With Most Active Residents, Analysis of Mobile Health App Data Finds
California, Colorado and Washington have the most active residents in the country, according to an analysis of data compiled through fitness and workout tracking applications. For the analysis, researchers examined data collected through mobile fitness and workout tracking mobile apps, such as MyFitnessPal and MapMyFitness. The analysis ranked states based on residents’ activity habits, diets and sleep habits. Reuters.
Shareholders Appear Concerned Over Proposed Aetna-Humana Deal
Experts say shareholders are worried about Aetna’s recent announcement regarding a deal to purchase Humana as shares for both insurers have declined. Among other issues, experts say shareholders are concerned the deal might not meet antitrust standards for approval. Wall Street Journal et al.
ACA Prompts Shift in Hospitals’ Approach to Chronic Disease Care
The Affordable Care Act’s new payment reforms and delivery models have spurred U.S. hospitals to focus on ways to prevent chronic conditions, as opposed to reacting to them. Under the law, hospitals are rewarded or penalized based on their performance for 30-day readmissions, infection control and patient satisfaction levels. Philadelphia Inquirer.
California Palliative Care Program Faces Slow Implementation
Nearly a year after a California law to expand Medi-Cal beneficiaries’ access to palliative care was signed by Gov. Brown, advocates are expressing concerns that the program has been too slow to roll out. Officials met last month to discuss the progress and said they hope to release initial guidelines by this fall. HealthyCal.