Latest California Healthline Stories
Fourteen percent of U.S. residents cited health care costs as the most important financial issue they face, according to a Gallup poll published Wednesday. Gallup noted that this was the first time such costs were cited among individuals’ top financial concerns since the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010. The Hill.
Analysis Finds Physician Payment Website Riddled With Errors
CMS’ physician payment website contains numerous errors about drugmakers’ payments, such as misspelled drug names and multiple subsidiaries recording payments for the same drug. A CMS official says the agency does not confirm the data that companies submit but fixes errors as they are exposed. ProPublica/New York Times‘ “The Upshot.”
Report Details Effects of SCOTUS’ Ruling on Federal Subsidies
If the Supreme Court rules federal subsidies are illegal, the people most likely to lose their health insurance would be from the South, middle-aged, employed and white, an Urban Institute report finds. Experts say the report demonstrates the real effect the case could have on consumers.New York Times‘ “The Upshot” et al.
Calif. Sees First Drop in Personal Belief Vaccine Waivers in 12 Years
An analysis of public health data finds that the percentage of California parents who opted out of vaccinating their children because of personal beliefs dropped to 2.5% last year, down from 3.1% in 2013. The change marks the first statewide decline in personal belief exemptions in 12 years. Los Angeles Times.
UC Officials Outline Plan To Address Growing Mental Health Needs
During a meeting yesterday, University of California officials discussed a potential plan to improve the university system’s mental health services amid a rising number of students who are seeking counseling for anxiety, depression and other issues. AP/WBNS, Daily Californian.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of January 23, 2015
Ambulance diversions from Doctors Medical Center have increased patient traffic, transportation times and wait times at other local emergency departments. California Attorney General Kamala Harris has been given an extension to decide whether to approve or reject the contentious sale of six safety-net hospitals to Prime Healthcare Services.
Survey Finds Most Patients Willing To Have Online Video Visits With Doctors
A Harris Poll survey finds that 64% of patients are willing to use an online video to consult with a physician. However, the survey shows about 88% of those willing to have an online video visit would prefer to select their physician rather than be randomly assigned one. MobiHealthNews.
The Sacramento Superior Court has rejected a challenge by the insurance industry of regulations under Proposition 103 that limit the amount of advertising costs insurers — including medical malpractice insurers — can pass on to members through premiums. California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones called the ruling an important win for California. Insurance Journal.
Rady Children’s Hospital Performs First Pediatric Heart Transplant in San Diego County
Last week, surgeons at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego performed the first pediatric heart transplant in the county. Previously, local children who needed a heart transplant had to travel to Los Angeles or farther distances to undergo the operation. U-T San Diego.
Some Businesses Plan To Require Same-Sex Couples To Marry To Qualify for Health Coverage
Some employers that at one time offered health coverage for same-sex domestic partners plan to require same-sex couples to be married to qualify for health benefits for their partners. Businesses have the legal right to set eligibility standards for benefits they offer to their workers, but some states prohibit employers from excluding same-sex couples. Employers that are changing their benefits policies for domestic partners say that because same-sex couples are now legally able to marry in some states, they no longer need to provide the domestic partnership accommodation in those states. Kaiser Health News.