Latest California Healthline Stories
A Los Angeles Times editorial argues that Gov. Brown should sign a bill that would limit the amount of assets the state can recoup from deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries’ estates. The editorial argues that the measure “strikes the right balance, barring the state from recovering routine costs while still having Medi-Cal seek reimbursement for long-term care.” Los Angeles Times.
Medical Emergencies Expected To Spike Amid Heat Wave in Los Angeles This Weekend
Los Angeles officials say there likely will be an uptick in medical emergencies in the area amid a heat wave expected to begin on Friday. L.A. Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said a similar heat wave in September 2010 resulted in 1,900 calls to emergency dispatchers in one day. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
On Wednesday, officials said that a recent joint effort between Los Angeles city and county agencies found more than 100 homeless individuals on skid row who needed immediate mental health care or other medical services. City Council member Jose Huizar said that 80 individuals received treatment for scabies, wounds or other medical issues, while 27 individuals were referring for mental health services. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
California Hospitals Spent $87M Treating Gun-Related Injuries in 2010, Report Finds
California hospitals paid more than $87.4 million in 2010 on care related to gunshot wounds, according to an Urban Institute report. The report noted that hospitals might be able to reduce those costs by participating in intervention efforts in communities where gun violence takes place. FierceHealthFinance.
Study: Many U.S. Hospitals Overuse Antibiotics
Physicians in many U.S. hospitals are overusing combinations of antibiotics to treat infections, resulting in increased medical costs and potentially contributing to antibiotic resistance, according to a study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. The study found that nearly 80% of the hospitals overused antibiotics by administering potentially unnecessary antibiotic combinations for two or more days. AP/Washington Post, Modern Healthcare.
Employer Health Plan Premiums See Modest Increase, Survey Finds
A Kaiser Family Foundation survey finds employer-sponsored health plan premiums have increased by 3% from 2013 to 2014, the second lowest rise since KFF began tracking the figures 16 years ago. However, the survey finds an increase in the average deductible employees must meet before their insurance coverage kicks in. New York Times‘ “The Upshot” et al.
IRS, CMS Officials Testify Before House Panel, Address ACA Concerns
An Internal Revenue Service official told a House panel that the agency needs more funding to administer tax-related provisions of the Affordable Care Act. At the same hearing, a CMS official sought to assuage House lawmakers’ security concerns regarding the federal health insurance exchange. Washington Times et al.
Poll: Support Falling for Calif. Rate Regulation, Drug Testing Initiatives
A new Field Poll finds that support is declining for two California ballot initiatives — propositions 45 and 46 — related to health insurance rate regulation and random drug testing of physicians. However, about one-third of voters who participated in the poll still were undecided on the measures. Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle.
Alignment Healthcare Moves Into Southern Calif. Market With Purchase of Medicare Advantage Plan
Irvine-based startup Alignment Healthcare has acquired a Cerritos-based Medicare Advantage plan for an undisclosed sum. Citizens Choice Health Plan, also known as Honored Citizens Choice, had about 13,000 Medicare Advantage members in Los Angeles and Orange c ounties but in recent years saw enrollment drop by about 15% and revenue decrease by about 20%. Payers & Providers.
DMHC Issues $25K Fine Against United Dental Care of California for Improper Claims Payments
The Department of Managed Health Care has levied a $25,000 fine against United Dental Care of California for failing to properly pay provider claims. DMHC has determined that the San Diego-based company violated a state law for failing to pay claims in a timely manner and with the appropriate interest. Payers & Providers.