Latest California Healthline Stories
National Implications of New Berkley Soda Tax Debated
Following the passage of Berkeley’s penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages ballot measure, supporters and opponents are at odds over how the win will affect cities nationwide. Opponents argue that Berkeley is unique and does not reflect national interests, while supporters and some industry experts say that the city can be viewed as a significant trendsetter for California and cities across the country. Contra Costa Times/San Jose Mercury News.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of November 7, 2014
Dignity Health System will pay $37 million to settle allegations that it overbilled Medicare and a military health care program for five years. Santa Clara County officials are concerned that Daughters of Charity Health System’s sale of seven hospitals to Prime Healthcare Services will overburden Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.
Blue Shield of California Launches New HMO Product
This week, Blue Shield of California announced it has launched a new HMO product — called Trio — that includes a network of health care providers who participate in the insurer’s accountable care organization program. The new HMO product is a less-costly option for employers and aims to improve members’ access to quality and coordinated care. Becker’s Hospital Review.
Health Insurers Face Additional Challenges in Upcoming Open Enrollment Period
Health insurers are finding efforts to inform consumers about open enrollment more challenging this year than last because they have to juggle retaining existing enrollees while reaching out to new customers. In addition, insurers this year will work under a tighter deadline. The open enrollment period lasts from Nov. 15 through Feb. 15, 2015, compared with a six-month initial open enrollment period. Wall Street Journal.
White House Requests More Than $6B To Combat Ebola
The Obama administration formally requested that Congress approve more than $6 billion in emergency funding to fight the spread of the Ebola virus. About two-thirds of the funds would be used immediately to respond to the virus, while the rest would go toward a contingency fund. New York Times et al.
GOP Plans To Target ACA; Obama Calls Some Issues Non-Negotiable
Sen. Mitch McConnell said that while a repeal of the Affordable Care Act is unlikely with President Obama in office, the GOP will work to dismantle the ACA by attacking smaller, unpopular portions of the law. Meanwhile, Obama said he will only consider “responsible changes” to the law. Washington Times et al.
Prop. 45 Supporters Warn Health Plan Rates Could Skyrocket
The defeat of a ballot initiative related to health insurance rate regulation marks a win for insurers, but proponents of the measure vow to keep pushing in courts, the Legislature and possibly again at the ballot box. Sacramento Business Journal, Los Angeles Times.
Calif. Residents Approve Medical Marijuana Taxes, Limit Dispensaries
California voters approved several local measures to tax medical marijuana. Meanwhile, voters in some counties also voted to limit dispensaries and cultivation. Advocates say the results show Californians support medical marijuana but want stronger regulation. AP/U-T San Diego, Los Angeles Times.
Midterm Election Results Could Have Implications for Health IT, Mobile Health Policy
Returning and newly elected members of Congress will be in positions to advance health IT legislation. Industry experts expect lawmakers to focus on improving the meaningful use program, cybersecurity and mobile health. Politico‘s “Morning eHealth,” mHealthNews.
On Wednesday, Moody’s Investors Service released a statement saying a court-approved plan to cut payments to debtors and maintain contributions to the CalPERS pension program “likely sets a precedent that pensions will enjoy better treatment than debt in California (municipal bankruptcy) cases.” Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”