Latest California Healthline Stories
Health Care Coalition Injects $2M Into Campaign To Raise Tobacco Tax
An effort to increase California’s tobacco tax by $2 per pack and use some of that money for the state’s Medicaid program has received a $2 million boost from a coalition of health care organizations. A coalition spokesperson said that while the groups “strongly support” a bill in the state Legislature that has the same goal, they are “ready and willing to go to the ballot” if it doesn’t pass. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Covered California To Collect, Mine Enrollees’ Health Care Data
Under a new project, Covered California will collect data on enrollees’ use of health care services to determine the quality of care they are receiving and to hold insurers and providers accountable. However, some say the effort raises privacy and security concerns because enrollees are not given the ability to opt out. Los Angeles Times.
Calif. Drought Leads to Spike in Local Respiratory Illnesses
Experts say that the ongoing drought in California is worsening health conditions in East Porterville, where residents rely on shallow private wells for water. Local doctors say they have seen an increase in respiratory illnesses, such as allergies, asthma and chronic bronchitis. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Cigna Rejects $47B Takeover Bid From Anthem
Health insurer Cigna has rejected a $47 billion offer to be acquired by Anthem, saying the bid terms are inadequate and “favor Anthem shareholders.” On Sunday, Cigna signaled a deal could be reached “under the right circumstances,” but several obstacles remain. An Anthem spokesperson has yet to comment on the rejection. AP/San Jose Mercury News
California Health Care Jobs Increased in May
Health care services was one of the five sectors that saw job growth in California in May, according to data released by the California Employment Development Department. Overall, the state’s unemployment rate increased slightly from 6.3% in April to 6.4% in May. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Medicare Pilot Project To Encourage In-Home Visits Saves More Than $25M In First Year
A Medicare pilot project that gives incentives for providers to visit elderly patients at home saved more than $25 million in its first year, CMS announced on Thursday. Under the project, called Independence at Home, participating practices make in-home visits and work to coordinate care for frail Medicare beneficiaries. AP/Miami Herald.
Some Lose Exchange Subsidies Due to Paperwork Issues
Issues with processing paperwork can sometimes lead to people losing the subsidies they receive to help them purchase exchange coverage. Judy Solomon, vice president of health policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said unclear communication often leaves consumers unsure what types of supporting documents they need to submit. Meanwhile, individuals’ projected incomes cause the most inconsistency issues. Miami Herald/Kaiser Health News.
DOJ Charges Hundreds for Medicare Fraud Totaling $712M
The Department of Justice has charged nearly 250 people, including 46 providers, with falsely billing Medicare a total of nearly $712 million, representing the largest criminal health care fraud takedown in DOJ history. Federal officials say the arrests were aided by increasingly sophisticated computer programs that scan billing data for potential fraud. Wall Street Journal et al.
House Votes To Repeal Medical Device Tax, Delays IPAB Repeal Vote
Yesterday, the House passed legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act’s medical device tax and delayed a vote on a separate bill to eliminate the law’s Independent Payment Advisory Board. President Obama has said he would veto the medical device tax bill. The Hill et al.
Covered Calif. Negotiated Lower Rates by Providing Data to Insurers
A new study finds that Covered California was able to negotiate lower premium rates with insurers by providing them with data on enrollees’ use of health care services. Insurers were able to use the data to estimate the costs for a special risk-adjustment pool, and as a result health plans covering the majority of enrollees decreased their proposed 2015 rates. Sierra Sun Times, Covered California release.