Latest California Healthline Stories
Counties, State Mull Health Care for Undocumented Residents
Sacramento and Fresno county supervisors are considering options for providing health care coverage to undocumented residents. Meanwhile, a bill in the state Legislature would allow low-income undocumented immigrants to receive Medicaid coverage, while others with higher incomes could buy plans with state-funded subsidies. Sacramento Bee.
Calif. Registry Uses Patient-Reported Data To Boost Transparency
The California Joint Replacement Registry has released new data on musculoskeletal surgery quality among six hospitals that take into account patient-reported outcomes. Among other things, the data show 88% of patients who underwent surgery at UC-San Francisco Medical Center said they experienced improvements. Modern Healthcare.
State Spent Nearly $30M on Overtime Pay for Inmate Health Workers
New California payroll data show that overtime pay for inmate health care providers has more than doubled from about $12 million in 2013 to nearly $30 million in 2014. The increase in overtime pay stems, in part, from vacancies for some positions, such as psychiatrists. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Obama, HHS Tout ACA Successes on Law’s Fifth Anniversary
Over the weekend, President Obama highlighted the success of the Affordable Care Act, noting that more than 16 million previously uninsured U.S. residents have gained insurance since the law took effect. Meanwhile, HHS on Monday released two new reports showing a $7.4 billion decline in hospitals’ uncompensated care costs because of coverage expansions under the ACA. Washington Times et al.
California Launches Ads To Discourage E-Cigarette Use
On Friday, the California Department of Public Health unveiled new video advertisements aimed at discouraging the use of electronic cigarettes. The ads warn that e-cigarettes contain nicotine and chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects and that the products are intentionally being marketed to children. However, vaping industry officials argue that their product provide a healthier alternative to cigarettes. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
Blue Shield of California Plans To Move Forward With $1.2B Acquisition of Care1st Health Plan
Blue Shield of California CEO Paul Markovich said the insurer plans to move forward with a $1.2 billion acquisition of Care1st Health Plan, a multi-state Medicaid and Medicare insurer with more than 524,000 enrollees. State regulators recently stripped Blue Shield of California of its tax-exempt status, as the not-for-profit insurer faces criticism over executive pay, rate hikes and its $4.2 billion surplus. According to officials, the deal to acquire Care1st is expected to close in June at the earliest. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area BizTalk.”
U.S. Judge Denies Amgen’s Request To Block Sale of Novartis’ Biosimilar of Neupogen
A federal judge has denied California-based Amgen’s request to block the U.S. sale of Novartis AG’s Zarxio, a biosimilar of Amgen’s Neupogen. Amgen had argued that Novartis violated U.S. law on biosimilars by failing to provide Amgen with a copy of its FDA application and that Novartis must wait six months before it can market the drug. Amgen spokesperson Kristen Davis said the company intends to appeal the judge’s decision. Wall Street Journal, Reuters.
Private Insurance Exchange Lays Off California Workers
Mountain View, Calif.-based eHealth, a private health insurance exchange, has laid off 72 workers at its Gold River call center as a result of increased competition under the Affordable Care Act. In total, eHealth has eliminated 15% of its workforce. The company’s business has taken a big hit under the ACA, as more individuals purchase coverage through Covered California and other government-run insurance exchanges. Sacramento Bee.
Health Care Improvements Lead to Rise in Black, Latino Status, but Disparities Persist
Improvements in health care and social justice have led to a rise in black and Latino status, according to the National Urban League’s 2015 Equality Index. Using a scale that set full equality with whites at 100%, the group found that blacks improved when compared with last year’s index, from 71.5% to 72.2%, while Latinos improved from 75.8% to 77.7%. Most of the improvements in health care factors stem from an increase in health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Los Angeles Times.
House, Senate Leaders Unveil SGR Replacement Legislation
Yesterday, federal lawmakers unveiled bipartisan legislation to replace Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula. Lawmakers next week are expected to release details on the plan to offset the bill’s projected costs and then will vote on the measure. Physicians face about a 21% reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates unless Congress acts by April 1. Modern Healthcare et al.