Latest California Healthline Stories
CalPERS To Cut $4B in Hedge Fund Investments Over Next 12 Months
Yesterday, CalPERS announced plans to sell off all of its hedge fund investments over the next year, a move that observers say could “reverberate across the investment community” in the U.S. Meanwhile, the pension fund launched its annual four-week open enrollment period. Los Angeles Times et al.
Columnists: Proposition 45 Supporters Take Aim at Dignity Health’s Spending
Supporters of Proposition 45, which would give the state insurance commissioner regulatory authority over insurance rate hikes, are criticizing the spending habits of San Francisco-based Dignity Health, according to San Francisco Chronicle columnists. They note that the not-for-profit hospital system is the San Francisco 49ers’ exclusive health industry partner, pays for advertising around the stadium and on game broadcasts and has purchased a luxury suite at Levi Stadium, which costs at least $2.5 million. San Francisco Chronicle.
Brown Signs Bill Cutting Language on Undocumented Immigrants
Gov. Brown has signed a bill to remove language from a law approved by voters two decades ago that withholds certain state services — such as education and health care programs — from undocumented immigrants. The measure is largely symbolic, as the law previously was overturned by the courts. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert,” Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
Obama Expected To Increase Efforts To Fight Ebola
President Obama is planning to increase U.S. efforts to help fight the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Obama during a visit to CDC tomorrow is expected to detail plans to increase U.S. military involvement, send more health care experts, medical supplies and portable hospitals to the affected areas, and train health workers in Liberia and other countries. In addition, Obama likely will press Congress to approve $88 million in funding for the efforts. Wall Street Journal.
Health Care Sector in Sacramento Added 10K Workers Since 2008, State Data Show
California Employment Development Department data show that doctor’s offices, hospitals and nursing homes in the Sacramento area added 10,000 workers between 2008 and 2014. The total number of health care workers in the area now is about 83,000 — equaling the number of civil service employees in the region. Sacramento Bee.
Calculator Glitch Allows Employers To Sell Non-ACA-Compliant Plans
Industry experts say an online federal calculator used to ensure that insurance plans comply with the Affordable Care Act’s minimum coverage standards contains a glitch that is allowing several large employers to offer health coverage that lacks some basic benefits. Experts say HHS is aware of the issue but has not yet fixed the calculator. Washington Post.
Community Health Centers To Receive $295M in ACA Grants
HHS has awarded $295 million in federal grants to community health centers throughout the U.S. to help hire more than 4,700 new physicians and expand care to 1.5 million new patients. States with the largest populations, such as California, are expected to receive the largest grants. Modern Healthcare, The Hill.
Covered California Delays Announcement of SHOP Insurers for 2015
Last week, Covered California spokesperson Dana Howard said the exchange has delayed its announcement of which insurers will participate in the state’s Small Business Health Options Program next year. Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee originally said the list would be announced today. Sacramento Business Journal.
California Implements Medi-Cal Coverage for Autism Treatment
Starting today, California’s Medicaid program will cover autism treatment, including applied behavior analysis therapy, for children when medically necessary. However, advocates say the state must ensure that there are enough providers to make the new benefit accessible to beneficiaries. Kaiser Health News/Los Angeles Daily News, KQED’s “State of Health.”
Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Young Adults in Sacramento on the Rise, Report Finds
The rate of sexually transmitted infections has increased among Sacramento County’s young adult population, according to the county’s latest Community Health Status report. The report shows that the number of Chlamydia cases rose by 43% between 2003 and 2012, while Gonorrhea cases saw a 12% increase over the same time period. The report notes that the majority of the STI cases have occurred in females ages 15 to 24. Sacramento Bee.