Latest California Healthline Stories
Audits Show Ongoing Errors in Medicare Advantage, Part D Plans
Federal audit reports highlight numerous problems with Medicare Advantage plans, including improper claims denials and baseless coverage limits on prescription drugs. Although federal officials repeatedly have criticized the errors, insurers say the coverage they provide is better than that offered by traditional fee-for-service Medicare plans. New York Times, CQ HealthBeat.
Last week, NIH announced that four California institutions — UCLA, University of Southern California, UC-Santa Barbara and Stanford University –will be awarded about $45 million over the next four years as part of a larger funding initiative to improve the use of big data in medical research. As part of the effort, researchers at UCLA have received an initial $1.5 million grant to analyze the cloud and produce data on protein markers for cardiovascular disease. Los Angeles Times‘ “Science Now” et al.
Proponents of S.F. Soda Tax Tout Mexico’s Success
Proponents of a San Francisco ballot measure that would levy a 2-cents-per-ounce tax on soda and other sugary beverages are pointing to the success of Mexico’s 10% tax on sugary drinks. Preliminary data show that purchases of taxed sugary drinks in Mexico decreased by 10% in the first quarter of 2014, compared with the first quarter of 2013. San Francisco economist Ted Egan estimates that if Proposition E is approved, San Franciscans would reduce their soda consumption by 31% and that the tax would raise $35 million to $54 million annually for children’s nutrition and physical education programs. San Francisco Chronicle.
Senator Delays $700M To Combat Ebola in West Africa
On Thursday, Sen. James Inhofe delayed a $700 million funding increase for the U.S. military to help combat Ebola in West Africa over questions about protecting military personnel and the mission’s future. Donelle Harder, a spokesperson for Inhofe, said the move was made because the Department of Defense has “not been able to answer what the transition plan is in six months when the money runs out.” Reuters.
Commentary: Duals Demonstration Project Leaves Many Vulnerable Individuals With Gaps in Care
In a guest commentary, Roger Smith — managing editor at the CHCF Center for Health Reporting — writes that California’s demonstration project for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal has left “lots of vulnerable people … stripped of their regular doctor, and facing a bureaucratic maze to get that care reinstated.” Smith cites a recent UCLA Center for Health Policy Research study that found that “[m]any of the people who are likely enrollees ‘are so physically, mentally and socially vulnerable … that they could not withstand even temporary gaps in care.'” Los Angeles Daily News.
Study: California Residents Face Third-Highest Rate of Medical Debt
A new NerdWallet study finds that California residents in 2013 accumulated the third-highest amount of medical debt in the country, behind New York and Texas. The study cites inaccurate billing among California health care facilities as one potential reason for the high rate of medical debt. Payers & Providers, NerdWallet study.
Medicare Part B Premiums, Deductibles To Remain Flat in 2015
Yesterday, the Obama administration announced that Medicare Part B monthly premiums and deductibles will remain unchanged for 2015. CMS officials attributed the flat rates to a slowdown in Medicare spending and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Wall Street Journal et al.
For-Profit Hospital Chains See Financial Boost; Fitch Credits ACA
A new Fitch Ratings report finds that for-profit hospital chains improved their operating margins, admitted fewer uninsured patients and reduced their bad debt during the first half of the year. Researchers say that hospital chains in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act — such as California — saw the greatest financial improvements. Modern Healthcare.
CalPERS Applications on the Rise as More State Employees Retire
After declining for eight straight months, the number of state workers applying for retirement benefits under CalPERS has increased for the past three months, including a 23% increase in September. Meanwhile, the pension fund’s four-week open enrollment period ends today. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker.”
Eight in L.A. County Tested for Ebola; Health Officials Say No Confirmed Cases in County
Los Angeles County public health officials say that no one in the county has been diagnosed with Ebola. The announcement comes after eight individuals who recently visited Liberia were tested for the disease at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now,” KABC.