Latest California Healthline Stories
Individual Coverage Outpaces Small Business Insurance in California
A new California HealthCare Foundation report finds that more Californians in 2014 were enrolled in health coverage through the individual market than through small employers. Meanwhile, the California Department of Managed Health Care now regulates the most enrollees in all three commercial insurance sectors. Sacramento Business Journal.
Assembly Operating Budget Used for Health Care, Other Services
From 2008 to 2014, Assembly leaders used a total of $115 million from their $150 million annual operating budget to boost state services, including health care. Critics say that such spending is unregulated and could lead to potential abuses, but lawmakers argue that flexibility in the operating budget allows them to address crises. AP/Sacramento Bee.
UC-Davis’ Role in Stem Cell Research Grows
The UC-Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures has become a leader in stem cell research, receiving $130 million over the past 11 years from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The UC-Davis facility is the only Northern California-based facility that can create high-quality stem cells needed for research and has worked on 10 stem cell clinical trials. Sacramento Bee.
Covered California Approves Specialty Rx Price Caps for 2016
Covered California’s board of directors has approved price caps on out-of-pocket specialty prescription drug costs for 2016 health plans, ranging from $150 to $500. Advocates largely support the decision, but others say the exchange could do more to keep costs down for individuals with bronze-level coverage. KQED/NPR’s “Shots” et al.
Calif. Public Health Officials Investigating Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Tuna
On Thursday, the California Department of Public Health launched an investigation into the source of a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 53 people in nine states. Officials say the outbreak has affected at least 31 California residents in six counties. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.
Sacramento County ED Rates on the Rise, Data Show
Emergency department visits in Sacramento County rose by 10% to about 525,000 visits in 2014, according to data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. The data show that the rate of ED visits in Sacramento County last year — 3.6 visits per 10 county residents — was about 20% higher than the statewide rate. Sacramento Bee.
West Hollywood Woman Sues Anthem Over Rejection of Coverage for Hepatitis C Medication
A woman in West Hollywood has filed a lawsuit against Anthem Blue Cross after the insurer refused to cover the costly hepatitis C medication Harvoni because her liver damage was not bad enough to make the medication “medically necessary.” The insurer said, “We may approve Harvoni when the liver has a certain amount of scarring on a liver biopsy. Records we received do not show that your liver has this amount of scarring.” The woman said, “I can’t believe that they demand that a person get sicker before they’ll pay for a cure.” Los Angeles Times.
House Committee Passes 21st Century Cures Act
On Thursday, lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed the 21st Century Cures Act after reaching a deal to fund the measure, which aims to increase the speed of new medication and treatment approvals. The agreement comes after committee lawmakers delayed a markup of the bill that had been scheduled for Wednesday over funding disagreements. The measure would alter the antibiotic process, create new disease research initiatives, establish new incentives for drugmakers to study rare conditions and place a much greater focus on patient data to encourage more “personalized medicine.” The Hill, Modern Healthcare.
CBO’s ‘Dynamic Scoring’ Could Affect ACA, Other Health Programs
Congressional Budget Office Director Keith Hall has told lawmakers that the office plans to focus on expanding its use of “dynamic scoring” to study the effects of federal spending policies. Observers say the new scoring method could have some effects on spending and revenue estimates for the Affordable Care Act and GOP-backed replacement plans for the law. Modern Healthcare, CQ News.
Calif. Law Expanding Pharmacists’ Scope of Practice To Take Effect
In the next few weeks, a new California law will take effect that will expand pharmacists’ scope of practice to include initiating certain kinds of prescriptions, such as contraceptives, and providing clinical advice and patient consultation. Stakeholders say the law could improve women’s access to contraception. Governing.