Latest California Healthline Stories
Columnist: Voters Manipulated by Rich Corporate Interests That Spent $100M To Defeat Props. 45, 46
Los Angeles Times columnist Michael Hiltzik writes that health insurers and medical malpractice insurers “spent some $100 million” to kill propositions 45 and 46 but that they were able to “bury the corporate spending behind statewide initiative campaigns.” He concludes, “Voters don’t seem to like it when they’re manipulated by rich corporate interests, but often it’s not so easy for them to know it’s happening.” Los Angeles Times‘ “The Economy Hub.”
Prop. 46 Proponents Vow To Continue To Push for Changes
Despite a large defeat on Tuesday, proponents of Proposition 46 — which would have increased the cap on pain-and-suffering awards in malpractice lawsuits and required random drug testing for doctors — say they will continue to push for efforts to increase patient safety in California. Sacramento Business Journal.
HHS’ OIG To Step Up Scrutiny of EHRs in 2015
HHS’ Office of Inspector General’s work plan for fiscal year 2015 details plans to beef up its scrutiny of electronic health records. Among other things, OIG will review hospitals’ EHR contingency plans and CMS’ oversight of the meaningful use program. Clinical Innovation & Technology, FierceEMR.
Report: Medical Device Tax To Have Minimal Effect
A Congressional Research Service report estimates that the Affordable Care Act’s medical device tax will affect purchasers of medical devices and supplies more than manufacturers but that the overall financial effect likely will be negligible. Modern Healthcare.
Obama Administration Says Health Plans Must Cover Hospitalization
Yesterday, the Obama administration clarified that the Affordable Care Act’s minimum coverage rules require large employers to offer health plans that provide “substantial coverage for inpatient hospitalization services.” Some large employers will receive a temporary exemption as long as all health plans that begin after March 1, 2015, meet the updated standards. Kaiser Health News, Modern Healthcare.
GOP Wins Unlikely To Affect Medicaid, Could Alter ACA’s Future
Republican victories in several gubernatorial races are unlikely to have a substantial effect on the scope of Medicaid expansion in the U.S., but Republican control of both the U.S. House and Senate could increase the chances of a vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act. New York Times‘ “The Upshot” et al.
Voters Reject Rate Regulation, Physician Drug Testing Measures
California voters rejected two separate ballot initiatives related to health insurance rate regulation and random drug testing of physicians. Meanwhile, state voters approved a ballot initiative to reduce criminal penalties and allocate 65% of the savings from the sentencing changes to community-based mental health and drug treatment services. San Jose Mercury News et al.
Voters Pass Soda Tax in Berkeley, Reject Similar Measure in S.F.
Yesterday, Berkeley passed the country’s first soda tax, with about 75% of voters backing the measure. Meanwhile, a similar tax in San Francisco failed to gain the two-thirds’ majority required to pass, with only 54.5% of voters backing it. KQED’s “State of Health” et al.
Doctors Medical Center Unveils Surprise Plan To Avoid Closure
Doctors Medical Center unveiled a surprise plan to avoid closure and restore emergency department services. However, the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California said it was “taken aback” by the new plan and still believes the best strategy is to convert the safety-net hospital into a smaller, less-costly urgent care center. San Francisco Business Times‘ “Bay Area BizTalk.”
Brown Wins Re-Election to Historic Fourth Term
On Tuesday, Gov. Brown defeated Republican gubernatorial candidate Neel Kashkari, 58% to 42%, and was re-elected to a fourth term to become the state’s longest serving governor. In his final term, Brown is expected to pursue policies addressing climate change, social services and education. Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.