Latest California Healthline Stories
Blue Shield of California Faces Increased Pressure To Lower Rates
Blue Shield of California is facing pressure to use its $4.2 billion surplus to lower its premium rates after the state revoked its tax-exempt status earlier this month. However, the insurer maintains that its rates reflect growing costs of care and that much of its surplus has been earmarked for an upcoming acquisition. Los Angeles Times.
Supreme Court Declines To Hear Lawsuit Challenging ACA’s IPAB
The Supreme Court has announced that it will not hear a case challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act’s Independent Payment Advisory Board, which has yet to be established or issue any recommendations. The Goldwater Institute, representing the plaintiffs, intends to challenge IPAB once it issues recommendations. Politico et al.
Enterovirus Could Be Causing Paralysis of Kids in Calif., Other States
A new UC-San Francisco study finds that a mutated strain of enterovirus D68 may be linked to paralysis among children in California and other states. The study authors recommend continuing research on enterovirus D68 and developing an effective treatment or vaccine. New York Times, Washington Post‘s “To Your Health.”
Report Ranks California the 14th Best State for Physicians
A new report by WalletHub finds that California is the 14th best state for doctors. Meanwhile, California — which has the most doctors of any state — ranks eighth for its work environment and 25th for its job opportunities and competition. HCPLive’s “Physician’s Money Digest” et al.
Kaiser To Begin Contract Talks With National Unions
On Tuesday, Kaiser Permanente is expected to begin contract negotiations with a coalition of national unions that represent 32,600 health care workers in Northern California. During the talks, which are expected to end in early June, officials will discuss operational issues — such as quality and patient satisfaction — skills workers will need in the future and the necessary training and the health and safety of workers. If a deal is reached and ratified, it would take effect Sept. 30 when the current contract expires. Sacramento Business Journal.
Study Finds Household Income Affects Kids’ Brains
Children raised in low-income households have less surface area of the brain compared with children raised in higher-income households, according to a study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience. The study’s authors — who include researchers from UC-Davis, UC-San Deigo, the University of Southern California and other insitutions — noted that increased surface area of the brain is linked to intelligence. NBC News, Live Science.
Sacramento City Unified School District Retirees Ages 65 and Older Regain Health Net Coverage
The Sacramento City Unified School District has agreed to extend Health Net coverage to retirees who are at least 65 years old after deciding last year to eliminate it as an insurer option for about 2,100 individuals. The announcement follows the district’s decision in February to restore Health Net coverage for about 1,100 teachers and early retirees. Under the most recent agreement, retirees ages 65 and older can return to Health Net or maintain their coverage under Kaiser Permanente or other Medigap plans selected during open enrollment. In addition, Health Net has lowered its cost to the district by 1.5% compared with its 2014 rates. Sacramento Bee.
UCSF Medical Center Reduces Unnecessary Blood Draws by 10% Under Initiative Launched Last Year
Blood draws are down by 10% at the UC-San Francisco Medical Center since it launched a campaign to discourage physicians from conducting unnecessary draws in an effort to reduce potential harm. The initiative — called “Think Twice, Stick Once” — began in July last year with the goal of reducing draws among patients by 5% during the 2014-2015 academic year. In the five-month period after Oct. 1, 2014, blood draws were down 10%, from 2.1 per day to 1.9 per day. HealthLeaders Media
FDA To Review Safety of Homeopathic Treatments in April
FDA will begin reviewing the safety of and evidence behind some homeopathic medicines, according to a federal notice published last week. FDA officials said the agency next month will hold a two-day meeting on potential regulations for the treatments, which can state that they are designed to treat particular conditions, but their manufacturers are not required to demonstrate to FDA that they are safe and effective before they can enter the market. No formal recommendations are planned for the meeting, but FDA intends to solicit comments and input from consumers, industry officials and health practitioners, according to the announcement. AP/Washington Times.
Dept. of Treasury Offers Info on Individual Mandate Exemptions
The Department of Treasury has released fact sheets detailing the most common ways taxpayers can qualify for an exemption to the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate. According to federal officials, as many as six million U.S. residents could be subject to the individual mandate penalty this year. The Hill et al.