Latest California Healthline Stories
Consumers With ‘Grandfathered’ Health Plans Could Face High Costs
Consumers who are insured under “grandfathered” health plans could encounter unexpected charges for preventive services in part because such plans are not subject to the Affordable Care Act’s no-cost preventive services requirements. However, research shows that the number of grandfathered plans is declining. Kaiser Health News.
California Legislature Nears Deal Ahead of Budget Plan Deadline
During a joint budget committee meeting on Tuesday, democrats in the California Senate and Assembly reached deals on several key issues — such as public health care spending — in the fiscal year 2015-2016 state budget, which is due June 15. For example, the democrats agreed on a plan that would phase in a 5% increase to reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal providers. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal” et al.
Kaiser Permanente Awards Grants to 54 Not-for-Profits
On Tuesday, Kaiser Permanente announced nearly $1.5 million in grants that will be distributed to 54 Sacramento-area not-for-profits that promote community health and wellness. The grants — which range from $5,000 to $97,000 — are designed to improve mental health services, increase access to health care and promote healthy diets and lifestyles. Sacramento Bee‘s “Healthy Choices.”
Los Angeles Officials Seek To Distribute HIV-Prevention Drug to At-Risk Residents
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to develop a plan within 30 days to distribute the HIV-prevention drug Truvada to county residents at high risk of contracting the virus. During the hearing, most HIV prevention advocates praised the move, while others warned that users may not take the drug as directed, which could leave them vulnerable to contracting the virus. KPCC’s “KPCC News,” Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Times.”
AMA Supports Eliminating Certain Vaccine Exemptions
On Monday, the American Medical Association approved policy changes to support eliminating personal and religious belief exemptions from vaccinations. Under the new policy, which was adopted at the AMA’s annual meeting, the physician group will support exemptions from vaccinations only in medically necessary cases. NJ.com, Newsweek.
Arkansas Calls Off Cost-Sharing Plan Connected to Alternative Medicaid Expansion Model
Arkansas, for now, has halted plans to impose cost-sharing measures on Medicaid beneficiaries who have incomes at or below the federal poverty level and are participating in the state’s alternative expansion. Arkansas Department of Human Services Communications Director Amy Webb said, “We now know that the private option as it exists today will be replaced.” She added, “We felt that it was not prudent to create this new piece for this population if we were just going to change it a year from now.” Meanwhile, advocates have said the decision not to collect the payments from the lowest-income beneficiaries was made because of administrative costs. Modern Healthcare.
Hot, Dry Weather Could Lead to High West Nile Virus Activity in Sacramento Region This Summer
The Sacramento are and the Central Valley could experience a lot of West Nile virus activity this summer because of high temperatures and an ongoing drought, according to experts. A recent study by CDC and the National Center for Atmospheric Research found a link between hotter-than-average temperatures and West Nile outbreaks. Sacramento Bee.
Feds To Spend Nearly $50B on 10 Breakthrough Drugs Over a Decade
An Avalere Health report commissioned by America’s Health Insurance Plans estimates that the federal government will spend nearly $50 billion over the next decade on 10 breakthrough medications, including new treatments for conditions such as breast cancer and hepatitis C. The Hill, CQ HealthBeat.
7 California Facilities Among U.S. News’ ‘Best Children’s Hospitals’
U.S. News & World Report includes seven California facilities on its “Best Children’s Hospitals” lists. The rankings were determined based on hospitals’ care-related resources, clinical outcomes, and efficiency and coordination of the care delivery process. U.S. News & World Report et al.
Reps. Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Boost Access to Mental Health Care
House lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation that aims to bolster access to mental health care. Among other things, the measure would help to clarify privacy requirements, decrease barriers to mental health care and create a national mental health policy research center to develop new care models. Modern Healthcare.