Latest California Healthline Stories
Medicare Spending on Hepatitis C Prescription Drugs Jumps in 2014
A ProPublica analysis of federal data shows Medicare Part D spent about $4.5 billion in 2014 on hepatitis C medications, compared with $286 million in 2013. Specifically, the data show Medicare spent more than $3 billion on Gilead Sciences’ Sovaldi and $670 million on Harvoni, while spending $157 million on older hepatitis C treatments. ProPublica.
CIRM Awards $25M in Grants To Help Develop New Treatments
Seven California researchers have been awarded a total of $25 million by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The funding will be used to help advance the development of new treatments for various conditions by using or targeting stem cells. Sacramento Business Journal, CIRM release.
Kids in Calif., Other States Improperly Prescribed Psychiatric Drugs
A new HHS Office of Inspector General report finds “quality of care concerns” related to the prescribing of psychiatric medication to low-income children who are covered by Medicaid in five states, including California. San Jose Mercury News, HHS OIG report.
Calif. Senator Eyes Bill To Require EMT Certification for Firefighters
Last week, state Sen. Isadore Hall announced plans to introduce legislation requiring all state firefighters and emergency service workers to maintain emergency medical technician certification. The announcement follows an investigation that found nearly one-fourth of firefighters at the Compton Fire Department lack EMT certification. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Health Training Program Faces Uncertainty Over Funding
Funding for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program, which supports residencies in underserved areas with a high demand for primary care services, is set to expire if Congress does not reauthorize the program this year. Advocates have said there is support for the program on both sides. However, since the bill was funded under the Affordable Care Act, it could be affected by the polarized debate over the ACA. New York Times.
California Right-to-Die Lawsuit Gets Doctors’ Support
Some physicians are backing a lawsuit in California that seeks to protect physicians from criminal liability if they prescribe life-ending medications to mentally competent patients who have a terminal illness. Currently, it is against the law in California for anyone to assist in another individual’s suicide. San Francisco Chronicle
Sacramento County Looks To Revamp Mental Health Services, Avoid Unnecessary Hospitalizations
Sacramento County supervisors have directed the Health and Human Services Division to develop a plan to revamp the way it provides mental health services to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and crises. The plan, which is expected within three months, was requested by the county supervisors last week when they approved a budget increase for psychiatric hospitalizations. Sacramento Bee‘s “The Public Eye.”
CDC Antismoking Campaign Highlights E-Cigarettes, Diseases Related to Tobacco Use
CDC’s newest set of antismoking advertisements address electronic cigarettes for the first time and aim to draw attention to several diseases not typically associated with tobacco use. Overall, CDC views its graphic antismoking campaign as a success, and the new ads build off earlier efforts by noting tobacco’s role in diseases, such as colorectal cancer, macular degeneration and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Washington Post‘s “To Your Health.”
Many Individuals Eligible for Subsidies Under ACA Decided To Forego Coverage, Analysis Finds
While about three-quarters of U.S. residents eligible for subsidies under the Affordable Care Act signed up for coverage last year through the federal exchange, more than half of individuals with slightly higher incomes decided to forgo coverage, according to an Avalere Health analysis. Avalere Health Senior Vice President Caroline Pearson said stiffer penalties for not having coverage and greater outreach efforts could be keys to increasing enrollment among groups where it lags. Kaiser Health News.
Senate Votes Along Party Lines To Pass GOP’s FY 2016 Budget Plan
In a 52-46 vote, the Senate approved the GOP’s fiscal year 2016 budget proposal, which would change federal health care programs and repeal the Affordable Care Act. The House earlier this week passed its own Republican budget plan, and the two chambers now must begin compromise budget negotiations. New York Times et al.