Latest California Healthline Stories
Report: California Surpasses Various National Health Benchmarks
A new California Department of Public Health report finds that the state has met or surpassed national benchmarks for cancer-related deaths, AIDS prevalence and infant mortality. However, the state has failed to make major improvements for some diseases, including diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Contra Costa Times.
Reaction Mixed to Legislation To Extend Coverage to Undocumented
Some stakeholders say that a legislative package introduced yesterday that would extend health coverage and other protections to undocumented immigrants in California is a “crucial milestone.” However, others say it could exacerbate existing problems in the state. Orange County Register, Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Obama Reveals Initiative To Address Climate Change, Public Health
President Obama has announced an initiative that aims to better understand how climate change affects public health. The Obama administration is working with technology companies, including Google and Microsoft, to monitor climate change and improve infectious disease outbreak surveillance. Wall Street Journal, AP/Sacramento Bee.
18K Californians Sign Up During Special Enrollment Period
More than 18,000 residents so far have signed up for coverage through Covered California during a special enrollment period that aligns with the April 15 deadline to file 2014 taxes. Meanwhile, the state exchange has partnered with several groups for a final push to encourage residents to sign up for coverage. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Business Journal.
On Tuesday, Fresno County supervisors approved a plan to provide specialty health care to undocumented immigrants and low-income residents. Under the plan, the county will use $5.6 million from deferred repayment of road funds to pay for such care. Fresno Bee.
90 Calif. Hospitals Awarded for Patient Experience, Safety
Dozens of California hospitals were included in Healthgrades’ recently released lists of top hospitals for patient experience or patient safety. The awards were based on scores from the 2013 Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems surveys. Twenty-five California facilities were named top hospitals for patient experience, while 65 California facilities were awarded for patient safety. Healthcare Finance News.
Calif. Senate Committee Advances Right-to-Die Bill
On Tuesday, the California Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a right-to-die bill that would allow doctors to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to patients with terminal illnesses. The End of Life Options Act, by state Sens. Lois Wolk and William Monning, would require that medication is self-administered, the patient is mentally competent and that two physicians confirm the prognosis that the patient has six months or less to live, among other things. The measure now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Sacramento City Unified School District Needs $634M To Cover Health Benefits for Workers, Retirees
The Sacramento City Unified School District needs $634 million to cover the costs of promised health benefits for its workers and retirees. Jay Hansen, a district trustee, said he wants to close the gap between projected health care costs and what the district’s investments are projected to cover through upcoming budget hearings, adding that employees and the district likely will need to increase contributions toward future health benefits. Sacramento Bee.
Florida Governor Opposes Medicaid Expansion Over Uncertainty of Program Funding
Florida Gov. Rick Scott has said he now opposes Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, citing concerns that the federal government would not uphold its funding commitment. The Florida House and Senate each have passed conflicting budget proposals, with the state Senate measure featuring an alternative Medicaid expansion plan that would allow residents to purchase private coverage through a state-run exchange using Medicaid expansion funds under the ACA. Modern Healthcare‘s “Vital Signs.”
CMS Looks To Expand Parity for Mental Health, Substance Misuse
CMS has released a proposed rule that would require the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicaid alternative benefit plans and Medicaid managed care plans to follow mental health and substance use disorder treatment parity requirements. The proposed rule would cost states and the federal government about $1 billion between fiscal year 2015 and FY 2019. Wall Street Journal et al.