Latest California Healthline Stories
Editorial Argues for Higher Medi-Cal Reimbursement Rates
An editorial in the Contra Costa Times argues that it is “nonsensical” for California to expand Medi-Cal under the Affordable Care Act “but fail to offer the doctors who care for the newly enrolled patients adequate reimbursement rates for their services.” The piece notes that Medi-Cal offers some of the lowest Medicaid rates, ranking 49th in the U.S. The editorial adds that “the state won’t come close to realizing the potential of health benefits if it doesn’t have enough doctors willing to treat its Medi-Cal patients.” Contra Costa Times.
Hatch To Offer Plan if Federal Exchange Subsidies Are Struck Down
Sen. Orrin Hatch plans to propose a “short-term solution” in case the federal subsidies to help U.S. residents purchase coverage through the federal exchange are struck down by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, observers say Senate Republicans’ efforts to possibly use the budget process to vote to repeal the ACA could be stifled on technical grounds. Modern Healthcare et al.
Uninsured Rate Reaches Seven-Year Low After ACA Implementation
A new Gallup survey finds that the uninsured rate fell from 17.3% in 2013 to 13.8% in 2014, the lowest level in seven years. The survey attributes the decline in large part to states that have fully implemented the Affordable Care Act and suggests the downward trend will continue. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times.
Calif. Advocates Encouraged by Revisions to Nursing Home Ratings
Advocates in California and other states say CMS’ revisions to how it will evaluate facilities on its Nursing Home Compare website is a good first step in addressing discrepancies between self-reported data and patients’ experiences, but California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform says more changes need to be made. Center for Public Integrity, CANHR release.
Lieu Calls on House Committee To Investigate Superbug Outbreak
Rep. Ted Lieu is urging the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to hold a hearing on what steps are being taken to address a recent drug-resistant superbug outbreak at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Medical Center and prevent similar outbreaks. Los Angeles Times et al.
Assembly Member To Propose MLB Chewing Tobacco Ban
On Tuesday, Assembly member Tony Thurmond is expected to introduce legislation that would ban Major League Baseball players from using chewing tobacco at games in the state. The bill comes less than a year after retired baseball player Tony Gwynn died of cancer of the salivary glands, which has been linked to chewing tobacco. Reuters.
California Could Experience Another West Nile Virus Outbreak This Year, Experts Say
Experts say California could experience another West Nile outbreak in 2015. Last year, the state experienced the worst West Nile outbreak recorded in 10 years, with about 800 California residents becoming infected with the virus in part because of an ongoing drought. Sacramento Bee.
California Lawmaker To Introduce Legislation To Address Use of Psychiatric Drugs in Foster Children
State Sen. Jim Beall this week said he plans to introduce three bills targeting the use of psychotropic medications in foster children. One bill would require nurses to monitor foster children’s medication, while another would create treatment protocols for group homes and a third would mandate the collection and review of data on the issue. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Covered California Postpones Adding Adult Dental Benefits
Covered California was expected to begin offering adult and family dental plans this year, but such coverage has been delayed due to issues aligning enrollment with the exchange’s online registration system. Officials say they are confident such plans will be offered by 2016. CHCF Center for Health Reporting/U-T San Diego.
Long-Term Care Insurance Rates Increased by 9% in 2014
Long-term care insurance rates last year increased by almost 9% on average, according to a report by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. Jesse Slome, executive director of the AALTCI, said higher claims costs contributed to the increase. Specifically, insurers’ claims costs increased by almost 5% in 2014, with insurers paying $7.8 billion. New York Times.