Latest California Healthline Stories
On Tuesday, California Auditor Elaine Howle released a report finding that the state Department of Developmental Services’ oversight of parental fees for out-of-home care for children with disabilities is “woefully inefficient and inconsistent.” As a result, hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care are left unbilled and some parents with similar incomes are charged different amounts, according to the report. Sacramento Bee‘s “The Public Eye.”
Study Finds Slowdown in U.S. Medical Research Funding
An analysis finds that the U.S.’ investment in medical research has decreased to a compound annual growth rate of 0.8% from 2004 to 2012, following a decade of annual growth at 6%. Despite the decline, the analysis finds the U.S. remains the top funder of new medical research discoveries worldwide. Modern Healthcare et al.
CalPERS’ Funding Level Increased to 77% in 2014, Report Finds
A new financial report shows that CalPERS’ funding level increased to 77% by the end of fiscal year 2014, up from 69.8% in FY 2013. Some observers note that the improved financial state of CalPERS resulted in part from increased taxpayer contribution rates. Los Angeles Times et al.
Lawmakers Introduce Bills To Repeal ACA’s Medical Device Tax
Lawmakers in the House and Senate have introduced bills that would repeal the Affordable Care Act’s 2.3% excise tax on the sale of medical devices. Although a new Congressional Research Service report finds the tax has had only a modest effect on the industry, lawmakers are expected to pass the measure. Modern Healthcare et al.
LAO: California’s Revenues Could Be $2B Higher Than Brown Projects
A report by the Legislative Analyst’s Office finds that California could collect as much as $2 billion more in tax revenue than Gov. Brown projected in his recent budget proposal. The report notes that the money likely would go toward education, despite pressure to increase spending on health care and other social programs. AP/Miami Herald et al.
Sutter Health’s New HMO Not Discouraged by Q3 Loss
Sutter Health’s new in-house HMO, Sutter Health Plus, reported a $513.1 million loss through Sept. 30, on $21.25 million in revenue. However, a Health Plus spokesperson said the health plan is in the startup phase and likely will take a few years to build a solid membership before it can break even. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area BizTalk.”
Harris Enters Race To Fill Boxer’s U.S. Senate Seat in 2016
On Tuesday, California Attorney General Kamala Harris formally entered the U.S. Senate race to fill Sen. Barbara Boxer’s seat. Last week, Boxer announced that she would retire from the Senate in 2016. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to move toward consolidating three health departments — Health Services, Public Health and Mental Health — into a single agency. However, mental health advocates objected to the plan, expressing concerns that mental health services would not be prioritized by a larger health agency. Los Angeles Times.
Covered Calif. Nears Enrollment Goals, Warns About Penalties
Covered California officials say more than 217,000 new enrollees have signed up for private coverage, while an additional 300,000 have been determined to be eligible. With only about a month left in the exchange’s second open enrollment period, officials are warning consumers that they could face higher financial penalties for remaining uninsured. San Jose Mercury News et al.
FDA Launches Program To Improve Rx Drug Quality Control
FDA on Monday began an initiative to improve quality control at pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities by creating consistent quality standards for all drugs. The process will be managed by FDA’s Office of Pharmaceutical Quality. The initiative will give FDA quantitative information about drugmakers’ manufacturing quality, whereas the agency in the past has had only a general sense of quality at U.S. drugmakers. Reuters.