Latest California Healthline Stories
Price of Compound Creams To Relieve Pain Sharply Increased Following Enactment of a 2012 State Law
A 2012 state law that aimed to reduce the costs of compound creams to treat pain by creating a pricing schedule for the ingredients has caused prices for the drugs to rise dramatically in recent years. Alex Swedlow, a researcher with the California Workers’ Compensation Institute, said that the amount that state’s workers’ compensation system has been billed for compound creams has increased from $10 million in 2006 to $145 million in 2013. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Orange County Confirms About 90 West Nile Cases in 2014
Orange County is facing a West Nile virus outbreak. So far this year, the virus has infected more than 90 people, far exceeding the 12 confirmed cases reported in all of 2013. The 2014 cases, which include three fatalities, represent about half of the more than 180 reported cases statewide. Reuters.
Audit: Legal Pension Spiking Could Cost State Nearly $800M
A new report by the State Controller’s Office finds that nearly 100 agencies that contract with CalPERS have engaged in legal practices that spike pension costs, which could put the state pension fund on the hook for as much as $796 million over two decades. AP/KPCC’s “KPCC News” et al.
Covered Calif. Shifts Some Enrollees to Medi-Cal After Income Checks
Some individuals who purchased a private health plan through Covered California have been shifted to Medicaid or have lost their subsidies as the exchange verifies their incomes. Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Pan said he will hold a hearing on the issue later this month. AP/Sacramento Bee.
On Monday, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced a multifaceted plan to expand insurance coverage in the state, after the state Legislature declined to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Under the plan, McAuliffe issued “emergency regulatory actions” to extend coverage to 20,000 state residents with acute mental illness and 5,000 children of low-income state employees, funded by $40 million in unused state budget funds. New York Times.
DEA Unveils Rule To Improve Disposal of Unused Rx Drugs
On Monday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced a new Drug Enforcement Administration rule that will allow individuals to dispose of prescription drugs at more locations in an effort to reduce substance use disorders and prescription drug misuse. The new policy, which goes into effect next month, will allow people to drop off prescription drugs at clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. In addition, long-term care facilities will be able collect medications, and people can mail unused medications to collectors in prepaid packages. Reuters.
VA Secretary Outlines Reform Plan, To Testify Before Lawmakers
Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald has revealed a plan aimed at improving veterans’ access to care and benefits. Today, McDonald is expected to testify before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding delays in veterans’ care and later this month he is expected to testify before the House committee. Washington Post et al.
HHS To Award $60M in ACA Navigator Grants To Boost Enrollment
HHS has announced a total of $60 million in federal grants that will be awarded to 90 groups in 34 states that use the federal health insurance exchange to help consumers navigate coverage options during the upcoming open enrollment period. Last year, HHS awarded $67 million in navigator grants to 105 groups. Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules” et al.
Survey: Most Calif. Counties Helping Inmates Enroll in Health Plans
A new survey by Californians for Safety and Justice finds that 75% of California counties are assisting inmates and individuals on probation in enrolling in health insurance. Meanwhile 25% say they plan to do so beginning in 2014 or 2015. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News” et al.
13 Calif. CFOs Recognized for Health Care Financial Management
Becker’s Hospital Review has recognized 150 CFOs for excellence in financial management of a hospital or health system, including 13 such executives in California. Executives from three University of California health care organizations are included on the list. Becker’s Hospital Review.