Latest California Healthline Stories
Pennsylvania To Expand Traditional Medicaid Under ACA
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday announced the state will expand its traditional Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act, replacing an alternative Medicaid expansion plan implemented by former Gov. Tom Corbett. Wolf said Corbett’s plan was confusing and created unneeded barriers for individuals to access care, as well as glitches that caused some individuals to delay treatments. The new plan will extend the state’s traditional Medicaid program to state residents with incomes up to 138% of poverty level, in accordance with the ACA’s expansion. Reuters.
New Questions Raised Over King v. Burwell Plaintiffs’ Standing
Some health care experts are questioning the standing of plaintiffs in an upcoming Supreme Court case that challenges the legality of subsidies in the federal health insurance exchange. Meanwhile, Sen. Richard Burr, co-sponsor of a newly released GOP alternative to the Affordable Care Act, says his bill likely will not affect the upcoming Supreme Court case. Wall Street Journal et al.
Officials Working on New Rules for Medi-Cal Coverage of Hep C Drugs
As many as 200,000 California Medicaid beneficiaries have hepatitis C, but very few can afford treatment. State health officials say that new guidelines for coverage of high-cost hepatitis C drugs likely will consider metrics other than cost, such as drug effectiveness and medical research. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Latino Enrollment in Exchanges Continues To Lag, Despite Media Blitz
Despite efforts to enroll Latinos in health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, federal data show that Latinos have made up only 10% of federal exchange signups during the second enrollment period. According to observers, Latinos face several barriers to enrolling, such as deportation concerns for undocumented family members. Kaiser Health News.
Oakland Group Sues 19 E-Cigarette Companies Over Warning Labels
The Center for Environmental Health in Oakland is suing 19 companies for allegedly violating California law by selling e-cigarettes without proper warnings about the products’ potential health risks. E-cigarette makers maintain that their products are healthier than traditional cigarettes. KPBS, CEH release.
123 Measles Cases Confirmed; Calif. Lawmakers Plan Vaccine Bill
There are 123 confirmed measles cases across the U.S. and Mexico, with 107 cases reported in California. Meanwhile, two California lawmakers are planning to introduce a bill in Congress that would require all children attending Head Start preschools to obtain vaccinations. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.
Senate Unanimously Approves Botticelli as U.S. Drug ‘Czar’
On Monday, the Senate voted 92-0 to approve Michael Botticelli, President Obama’s nominee, to serve as U.S. drug “czar.” Botticelli, who has served as acting drug czar since March, is tasked with finding ways to curb prescription painkiller misuse and overdoses, which result in more than 40,000 deaths annually. AP/Sacramento Bee, Washington Post‘s “Post Politics.”
Anthem Warns Customers of Email, Phone Scam
Anthem, the parent company of Anthem Blue Cross in California, is warning former and current customers about phone and email scams, following last week’s announcement of a data breach affecting as many as 80 million individuals. The scam emails include a “click here link” for credit monitoring and the fraudulent calls, which appear to be from Anthem, are attempting to gain individuals’ personal information. Anthem says the company has not authorized such actions. Atlanta Business Chronicle/Sacramento Business Journal‘s “Morning Edition.”
Smoking During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Risk of Diabetes for Female Children
Women whose mothers smoked while pregnant are nearly two to three times as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, according to a new study by researchers at UC-Davis and the Public Health Institute. The study also found a higher diabetes risk for women whose fathers smoked while their daughters were in the womb. CBS San Francisco.
Colorado Lawmakers Vote Down Right-To-Die Bill
A Colorado House committee on Friday voted 8-5 to reject a proposed law that would have allowed individuals with terminal illnesses to end their lives. Colorado’s proposal was modeled after Oregon’s right-to-die law. It would have required two physicians to approve the life-ending medication and individuals to prove they are of sound mind when making the decision. Reuters, AP/Modern Healthcare.