Latest California Healthline Stories
Covered California Call Center Contractor Seeks Extension
In-Sync Consulting Services, which runs a Covered California call center in south Sacramento, is urging the health insurance exchange to extend its contract, which expires June 30. The contractor said that it has hired more than 1,000 people over the last six to eight months and that the call center still handles about 1,700 Covered California calls per day. Sacramento Business Journal.
Myelin Repair Foundation To Close Aug. 31
On Monday, the Saratoga-based not-for-profit Myelin Repair Foundation announced that it will close Aug. 31. The foundation, which funded academic research on study multiple sclerosis, said it struggled to raise enough funding to maintain research costs. San Francisco Business Times‘ ” BiotechSF.”
Black Lawmakers Hear From Opposing Sides on Calif. Vaccine Bill
Yesterday, a leader of the Nation of Islam denounced a bill that would end personal belief exemptions to childhood vaccination requirements in California, urging black state lawmakers to oppose the measure. However, a coalition of black advocacy organizations came out in support of the bill. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal,” Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Bill To Allow Organ Transplants for Medical Marijuana Users Advances
Yesterday, the California Senate approved a bill that would make it illegal to deny organ transplants to patients because they use medical marijuana. The bill already has cleared the Assembly and now heads to Gov. Brown. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Covered California Awards Executive Pay Hikes, PR Contracts
Two top executives at Covered California — Executive Director Peter Lee and Deputy Director Yolanda Richardson — have been awarded salary increases by the board of directors in recognition of their previous work and commitment to remain on the job. The exchange also awarded two contracts worth up to a combined $54.2 million for public relations and marketing services. Sacramento Business Journal et al.
Hawaii First State To Raise Smoking Age to 21
Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Friday signed legislation raising the legal smoking age in the state to 21, making it the first state to do so. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2016, also will bar people under age 21 from electronic cigarettes. Opponents of the measure said it limits choices for people considered adults in other contexts, such as joining the military or voting. Reuters.
At Least 2.5M Additional Long-Term Care Workers Needed in U.S. by 2030, UCSF Study Finds
A study by UC-San Francisco researchers finds that at least 2.5 million new long-term care workers will be needed in the U.S. by 2030. The increase in demand for long-term care services will be driven by the country’s aging population, according to the study. Joanne Spetz, associate director for research strategy at the UCSF Center for the Health Professions, said, “Filling these jobs will be a big challenge under any scenario.” The researchers suggest that states invest more resources in education and training for such positions. Payers & Providers.
VA Wait List Increases as Department Faces $3B Budget Shortfall
Department of Veterans Affairs officials say that the number of veterans waiting one month or longer to receive care has increased by 50% since the peak of last year’s issues. In addition, the department faces a budget shortfall of up to $3 billion. New York Times.
CBO: ACA Repeal Would Raise Federal Deficit by $137B Over a Decade
A new Congressional Budget Office report projects that repealing the Affordable Care Act would increase the federal budget deficit by $137 billion from 2016 to 2025 and increase the number of uninsured U.S. residents from 35 million to 59 million people. New York Times et al.
Democrats, Republicans React to Budget Plan Approved by Legislature
Democrats and Republicans in the California Legislature expressed mixed feelings about a budget deal with Gov. Brown that was approved by both chambers on Friday. While most lawmakers acknowledged the need for compromises, some Democrats criticized a lack of funding in the deal for services for low-income Californians and residents with disabilities. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News” et al.