Latest California Healthline Stories
ACA Enrollees More Satisfied Than Those With Employer-Based Plans
A new survey finds that consumers who purchased health plans through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges generally are more satisfied with their coverage than those with employer-sponsored insurance. According to the survey, satisfaction varied among the types of exchanges, with those who purchased plans from a state-run exchange reporting the lowest satisfaction. The Hill.
Covered Calif. Leading the Way During Special Enrollment Period
More than 22,000 residents have signed up for coverage during Covered California’s special enrollment period. In comparison, the 36 states using the federal exchange reported a total of 68,000 special enrollment period sign-ups. Meanwhile, Covered California released county-level data for the second enrollment period, which ran from Nov. 15, 2014, to Feb. 22. CNBC et al.
House Panel Hears Contradicting Testimony About Oakland VA Office
During a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing this week, a whistleblower said the Oakland VA office ignored medical claims. However, an office official maintained they were duplicates of already-processed claims. Meanwhile, a federal investigator disputed the official’s comments, saying many claims still required action. Washington Post‘s “Federal Eye” et al.
Antibiotic Drug Shortages Increasing in U.S., Study Shows
The average number of antibacterial drug shortages each month nearly doubled after 2007, with current shortages affecting 26 drugs, according to a study published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases. The study found that between July 2007 and December 2013 there were an average of 17.9 drug shortages per month, compared with an average of 9.7 drugs on shortage each month before July 2007. Medscape.
California Assembly Committee Kills Measure To Force Lawmakers To Enroll in Covered California Plans
On Thursday, the state Assembly Rules Committee voted along party lines to reject a measure that would have required all state lawmakers to move from their health coverage provided by the Legislature to plans sold through Covered California. While some committee members felt the measure would help lawmakers address constituents’ enrollment concerns, others said it would violate an Affordable Care Act provision that bars large employers from moving their employees to the exchanges. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal,” The Santa Clarita Valley Signal.
Opinion: Childhood Vaccine Bill Debate Is Far From Over
“It’s far too early for supporters” of a bill that would end personal belief exemptions for childhood vaccinations “to raise a celebratory toast,” Los Angeles Times reporter Mariel Garza writes in an opinion piece. Garza writes that the bill must first clear the Senate Judiciary Committee, whose members likely are hearing from hundreds of “very impassioned … anti-vaxxers,” before going for votes in the full Senate and Assembly, adding, “Then there’s the question of our Jesuit-trained governor, who supports religious exemptions.” Los Angeles Times‘ “Opinion L.A.”
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of April 24, 2015
The Daughters of Charity Health System is planning to cut 4% of its workforce, or 280 jobs, over the next few months. The California Nurses Association plans to hold strikes at five Sutter Health hospitals at the end of April over alleged inadequate staffing and patient safety.
Last month, the Department of Managed Health Care sent a “cease-and-desist” order that prohibits 10 major California health plans from sending new customers to a 500-physician medical group affiliated with Daughters of Charity Health System. The order, which went into effect Thursday, said the health system does not comply with DMHC’s minimum solvency standards. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area BizTalk.”
Some CalPERS Long-Term Care Policyholders Must Switch Plans by May 1 To Avoid Big Premium Increases
CalPERS long-term care policyholders with Cadillac plans have until May 1 to opt into a less expensive, fixed-benefit plan or face a 35% premium increase in July. Meanwhile, a lawsuit alleging that CalPERS mismanaged the program is seeking refunds and to reverse premium increases. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
GOP Nears Budget Deal That Could Offset Costs of SGR Replacement
Budget negotiators in the House and Senate are working to finalize a budget agreement that is expected to include funding for a new law that permanently replaces Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula. Senate Budget Committee Chair Mike Enzi says a final budget agreement likely will offset the costs of the measure beginning next year. Politico, Wall Street Journal.