Latest California Healthline Stories
Wyoming Senate Rejects Alternative Medicaid Expansion
The Wyoming Senate on Friday voted 19-11 to reject an alternative Medicaid expansion backed by Gov. Matt Mead, effectively eliminating the possibility that the state will expand the program this year. The alternative Medicaid expansion plan would have extended the program to about 18,000 state residents with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. The plan called for a federal waiver to allow the state to charge monthly premiums and copayments to low-income individuals who choose to participate. Politico.
CMS Finalizes Changes to Medicare Advantage, Rx Drug Programs
CMS has issued a final rule that makes several minor changes to Medicare Advantage and Medicare’s prescription drug program. For example, Medicare Advantage organizations and Medicare Part D sponsors now must have plans to restore essential operations within 72 hours of a natural disaster or other emergency. Modern Healthcare, The Hill.
Health Care Groups Seek Additional Changes to CMS’ ACO Program
In a letter to CMS, more than 30 health care organizations, including the American Hospital Association and the American Medical Association, recommended several ways the agency could improve the Medicare Shared Savings Program. The recommendations go further than changes offered in a CMS proposed rule. Modern Healthcare et al.
Primary Care Physician Supply Not Keeping Up With Medi-Cal Demand
The supply of primary care physicians has not kept up with a growing number of beneficiaries in California’s Medicaid program. The shortage of PCPs has caused delays in care for beneficiaries, and experts expect the situation to worsen, in part because of the program’s low reimbursement rates. San Jose Mercury News.
Lawsuits Filed Over Anthem Data Breach in California, Other States
Lawsuits have been filed against health insurer Anthem in federal courts in Alabama, California and Indiana over a data breach affecting tens of millions of individuals. In addition, California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has launched a financial and market conduct examination of Anthem Blue Cross. Modern Healthcare et al.
More than 288K New Consumers Sign Up for Covered Calif. Plans
Last week, Covered California officials announced that 288,558 new consumers so far have signed up for health coverage during the exchange’s current open enrollment period. Los Angeles County has the highest number of new enrollees, at 81,321, while Alpine County has the lowest, with fewer than 10. Sacramento Business Journal, Covered California release.
Editorial Questions Accountability of Prop. 63 Funding
“While Proposition 63, approved by 54% of the voters, has increased funding for mental health programs, there is no evidence that the more than $13 billion collected during the past decade has produced the promised results,” a San Jose Mercury News editorial states, citing a report issued last week by the Little Hoover Commission. The editorial endorses the report’s recommendation to establish “a comprehensive statewide mental health data collection system so analysts can determine whether the money produces the promised results.” San Jose Mercury News.
Californians Call on EPA To Bolster Smog Protections
During a public hearing in Sacramento, environmentalists, doctors and students urged the U.S. Environment Protection Agency to strengthen smog protections and lower the allowable parts per billion from the current 75 ppb to 60 ppb. EPA has said that reducing smog would improve public health and reduce health care costs. Courthouse News, Guardian Liberty Voice.
UC Colleges To Screen Incoming Students for Measles, Other Vaccines Starting in 2017
On Friday, the University of California announced that beginning in 2017 it will require screening for tuberculosis and vaccinations for chickenpox, measles, meningitis and whooping cough. However, students still will be able to obtain waivers for personal, religious or health reasons. AP/New York Times et al.
FDA Draft Guidance Aims To Reduce Processing Time for Applications to the Expanded Access Program
FDA on Wednesday released draft guidance that would reduce the amount of time physicians need to complete an application for the agency’s expanded access program from about 100 hours to 45 minutes, according to an FDA official. The FDA program, also known as “compassionate use,” allows individuals with serious or life-threatening diseases to access experimental drugs outside of a clinical trial if they have no comparable alternatives. In a blog post, Peter Lurie, FDA’s associate commissioner for public health strategy and analysis, wrote, “The new draft guidance and draft form are the latest examples of FDA’s determined effort to minimize unnecessary red tape, increase efficiency and better serve patients in need.” Modern Healthcare.