Latest California Healthline Stories
Obama Admin Says Special Enrollment Period a One-Time Event
Acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt says the special enrollment period for U.S. residents paying penalties for 2014 under the ACA’s individual mandate “will not be available” in the future. The special open enrollment period — which aligns with the federal government’s 2014 tax deadlines — launched Sunday and will run through April 30. Washington Times et al.
CMS Failed To Address MA Provider Reimbursement Calculations
Federal documents obtained by the Center for Public Integrity show CMS has not revised its method for calculating physician reimbursements for Medicare Advantage despite finding that the system results in significantly high costs. MA plans receive a monthly flat payment per patient based on a risk score formula. The Hill, Center for Public Integrity.
Hospital Industry Changes To Take Hold Across Calif., Experts Say
Experts say a trend of hospital closures and buy-outs in the San Francisco Bay Area could be the beginning of a statewide trend. The changes are occurring in part because of cost-cutting and quality improvement measures under the Affordable Care Act. San Francisco Chronicle.
LAO: Cal-OSHA Failures Led to Higher Rates of Worker Illness, Injury
A Legislative Analyst’s Office report released Friday finds that concerns outlined in Gov. Brown’s fiscal year 2015-2016 budget proposal related to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health “are valid.” The report finds that issues at the agency contributed to rates of worker illnesses and injuries in the state that are higher than the national average. Sacramento Business Journal, LAO report.
Health Care-Associated Infection Rates Down at California Hospitals
A new report finds that rates of Clostridium difficile and some surgical infections are on the rise in California, even though most hospitals in the state report overall low rates of health care-associated infections. Meanwhile, a separate report finds that influenza vaccination rates are up among health care personnel at California hospitals. Los Angeles Daily News et al.
Family Members Fight Plan To Close Mental Health Facility in Northern California
On Saturday, about 200 family members of individuals with developmental and mental disabilities gathered to protest a plan to close a state care center in Northern California. California legislative analysts have recommended closing the Sonoma Developmental Center, which cares for more than 400 patients with severe disabilities, and a similar facility in Orange County to save money. AP/Sacramento Bee, Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
The amount of trauma related to the 6.0 magnitude August 2014 earthquake was greater than has been reported, according to a new survey by the California Department of Public Health. While reports showed that the earthquake contributed to the death of one individual and an estimated 280 emergency department visits, the survey found that in 23% of Napa Valley households at least one individual sustained a cut, gash, sprain or other physical injury. According to the survey, about 50% of these injuries occurred during cleanup after the earthquake. Napa Valley Register.
Napa County Officials Confirm Five Hepatitis A Cases
On Thursday, Napa County public health officials confirmed five cases of hepatitis A, including two workers at La Toque restaurant and BANK Café and Bar in the Westin Verasa Napa hotel. Officials say the source of the disease is unknown and warn that individuals who consumed food or drink at the two locations between Feb. 9 and Feb. 26 could have been exposed and should monitor their health for about 50 days. Bay City News Service/San Jose Mercury News.
Raising Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Could Discourage Habit Among Teens, IOM Report Finds
Increasing the age at which it is legal for individuals to purchase tobacco in the U.S. could keep a significant number of teenagers from starting a smoking habit, according to an Institute of Medicine report released Thursday. According to the researchers, raising the age at which it is legal for U.S. residents to purchase tobacco to 21 would have the largest effect, particularly on individuals ages 15 to 17. It also would have a greater effect than if the age was increased to 19. Washington Post‘s “To Your Health.”
Utah Lawmakers Fail To Reach Medicaid Expansion Deal
The Utah Legislature failed to agree on a plan to expand the state’s Medicaid program before its current legislative session adjourned on Thursday. Gov. Gary Herbert and a group of state lawmakers said they will create a coalition of six leaders who will work to reach an expansion deal by July 31. The state Legislature could convene to consider an expansion deal in a special session this summer, according to the officials. AP/Provo Daily Herald.