Latest California Healthline Stories
HHS Uses Enrollment Data To Show Importance of SCOTUS Decision
HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell says about 11.7 million U.S. residents have enrolled in coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s exchanges, including about 8.6 million who signed up through the federal exchange. Burwell used the latest enrollment data to highlight how a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case King v. Burwell would negatively affect residents. Washington Times et al.
CBO Lowers Cost Projection for ACA Over Next 10 Years by 11%
The Congressional Budget Office has lowered its 10-year cost projection for the Affordable Care Act by 11% to $1.2 trillion. According to CBO, the decline in estimated spending is the result of fewer people enrolling in exchange coverage than anticipated, as well as a slowdown in health care spending growth. Washington Post‘s “Wonkblog” et al.
Covered California Takes Steps To Improve 2016 Rx Drug Coverage
Covered California has approved several measures related to prescription drug pricing for its 2016 health plans, such as requiring health plans to post drug pricing information online. In addition, the exchange will review the effects of implementing specialty drug price caps. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News,” Exchange Board report.
San Pablo Doctor Warns Patients of Potential Data Breach
Last week, a San Pablo-based physician sent a notification to patients warning them about the theft of about 350 patient records and a credit card transaction register. The doctor said that her office was broken into on Jan. 8 and that the stolen records contained individuals’ names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information and potentially some medical information, such as lab results, history and doctor notes. Health IT Security.
Survey Highlights Calif. Students’ Tobacco Use, Mental Health
A new California Healthy Kids Survey administered by the state Department of Education finds that few seventh, ninth and 11th grade students have ever smoked a cigarette or used smokeless tobacco. Meanwhile, it finds that 17% of 11th graders and 19% of ninth graders have seriously considered attempting suicide in the last 12 months. EdSource, California Healthy Kids Survey.
California AG Files Felony Charges Against Owners of Closed Long-Term Care Facility
On Monday, California Attorney General Kamala Harris issued felony charges against the owners of a Northern California assisted-living facility for abandoning 14 patients. The state closed the Valley Springs Manor facility in Castro Valley in October 2013 after the patients appeared to have been left to be cared for by the cook and housekeeper. The owners could face up to 17 years in prison each. AP/Sacramento Bee.
Calif. School Districts Struggling To Cover Lifetime Health Benefits
Many California school districts are considering scaling back lifetime health benefits for retirees because of the growing costs of unfunded health care obligations. However, some experts say the re-evaluation will spark pushback from teachers unions. Los Angeles Times.
S.F. Supervisors Take Aim at Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
On Tuesday, three San Francisco Supervisors are expected to introduce new measures aimed at reducing residents’ consumption of sugary beverages that have been linked to health problems, such as obesity and diabetes. One of the proposals would make the city the first to require that advertisements for such beverages include a warning label, another would prohibit advertising for sugar-sweetened beverages from appearing on city property and the third would bar the city from spending money on such drinks. Time, San Francisco Chronicle.
Oregon Dissolves its State Health Insurance Exchange
On Friday, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed legislation dissolving Cover Oregon, the state’s insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act. The legislation states that the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Corporation, which was responsible for Cover Oregon, “is abolished.” Further, the law states, “All the duties and functions of the corporation are imposed upon, transferred to and vested in the Department of Consumer and Business Services.” Los Angeles Times.
UCLA Health To Integrate Genetic Data Into EHR System
UCLA Health is preparing to launch a pilot project that will integrate patients’ genomic data into the health system’s electronic health record system. It aims to provide physicians with alerts about potential medication side effects and risks for cancer. The system will analyze in real time patients’ genetic information, which will be collected through a saliva sample. MedCity News.