Latest California Healthline Stories
Covered California To Launch SHOP Exchange Re-Branding Effort
Today, Covered California is expected to launch a re-branding effort for its Small Business Health Options Program insurance exchange. The marketing campaign will seek to highlight coverage options, budget control and tax credits to encourage employers to enroll during a larger push for sign-ups in the fall. Sacramento Business Journal.
California Health Officials Often Delay Public Disclosure of Outbreaks
While California law requires hospitals to report outbreaks of hospital-acquired infections to state health officials, there are no financial penalties for failing to do so. As a result, hospital-acquired infections often are not disclosed to the public until months or years later, which some advocates say can hinder care improvements and limit patients’ ability to make informed decisions about where to receive care. Los Angeles Times.
Drug Used To Reverse Overdoses Available in Calif. Without Rx
The California Board of Pharmacy has enacted new rules that allow pharmacists to give naloxone — a medication that reverses the effects of opioid drug overdoses — directly to patients without a prescription. The rules require pharmacists to receive training before dispensing the drug. Los Angeles Times‘ “Science Now.”
Uninsured Rate Drops by 50% in Medicaid Expansion States, Poll Finds
An Urban Institute survey published last week finds that the rate of uninsured U.S. residents fell by 50% in California, Washington, D.C., and the other 28 states that expanded their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, the uninsured rate in states that did not expand their Medicaid programs dropped by about 30%. The Hill, Health Reform Monitoring Survey.
WHO Says Most C-Sections Are Medically Unnecessary
Last week, the World Health Organization issued a statement noting that most Caesarean-section operations are medically unnecessary. WHO said, “As Caesarean-section rates increased above 10% and up to 30% no effect on mortality rates was observed.” For example, C-section rates at San Diego facilities ranged from 27% to 39% in 2013, according to Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development data. U-T San Diego.
Berkeley City Council To Consider Adopting Nation’s Strictest Limits on Tobacco Sales
On May 12, the Berkeley City Council will vote on a proposed ordinance that would prohibit the sale of tobacco products within 1,000 feet of any school or public park in Berkeley and would require sellers of electronic cigarettes to obtain a tobacco retailer’s license. The measure is modeled after a Chicago law that created 500-foot buffer zones, but the Berkeley proposal is more comprehensive and applies to additional products. San Francisco Chronicle.
UC-Irvine Institute Receives $11M Grant for Alzheimer’s Disease Research
UC-Irvine’s Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders has received a five-year, $11 million grant to continue its research on Alzheimer’s disease and education programs. The grant, from the National Institute on Aging, allows the institute to renew its status as one of just 27 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers in the country. Orange County Register.
California Declares End to Measles Outbreak
On Friday, California Department of Public Health officials declared the measles outbreak that originated at Disneyland and infected 131 residents over. There have been no new cases reported in the last 42 days, but officials noted that measles could return if infected individuals were to enter the state. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Covered California Delays Vote on Specialty Rx Price Cap
On Thursday, Covered California’s board of directors delayed a vote on a new specialty prescription drug price cap for its 2016 health plans. Exchange officials had proposed a $500 monthly cap, but advocates have urged the exchange to adopt a lower cap of $200 per month. The board said it would seek more feedback and potentially vote on the cap next month. Sacramento Bee.
Obama Signs SGR Replacement Bill, Halts 21% Physician Payment Cut
Yesterday, President Obama signed into law legislation to permanently replace Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula. The bill takes effect immediately, and CMS says only “a small volume of claims” are being processed at lower payment levels and will be reprocessed later at the full rate. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.