Latest California Healthline Stories
California To Recoup $300M for Pension Funds in Bank of America Investment Settlement
On Friday, California Attorney General Kamala Harris’ office announced that the state will receive $300 million in damages from Bank of America to reimburse the state’s pension funds for money it lost investing in mortgage-backed securities through the bank. The money is part of a $16.65 billion settlement regarding Bank of America’s handling of mortgage-backed securities before 2009. Contra Costa Times.
Fewer Cases of Whooping Cough Reported in California
On Friday, California public health officials reported 573 new cases of whooping cough in the past two weeks, down from a reported 1,100 cases in a two-week period in mid-June. Although the numbers indicate a downward trend, the state epidemiologist warned that the number of cases could rise at any time. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
Calif. Senate Approves Bill Limiting Seizure of Deceased Medi-Cal Beneficiaries’ Assets
The California Senate has approved a bill that would limit the amount of assets the state can recoup from deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries’ estates. The legislation now awaits a vote in the Assembly. San Francisco Chronicle.
Study: Gains From Medicare Part D Are Waning
Although Medicare Part D in its first few years had a positive effect on beneficiaries, such as lowering their out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, those gains have reversed in recent years, according to a recent study published in Health Affairs. The study found that the percentage of beneficiaries who did not take their medications as prescribed — by not taking them, skipping or reducing doses, or delaying refills — because of affordability concerns declined from nearly 15% in 2005, before Part D took effect in 2006, to 11.3% in 2007 and 10.2% in 2009. However, the percentage of such beneficiaries increased in 2011 to 10.8%. New York Times‘ “The New Old Age.”
Brown ‘Trying To Have it Both Ways’ on CalPERS Proposals, Mercury News Editorial Argues
A San Jose Mercury News editorial argues that Gov. Brown is “trying to have it both ways” in criticizing a CalPERS proposal to include pay from temporary promotions when calculating public workers’ pension benefits. The editorial agrees that the proposal violates state law and could create abuse, but adds, “[S]o do the other 98 items” proposed by CalPERS that Brown “tacitly” agreed to. San Jose Mercury News.
Calif. Exchange Board Criticizes Insurance Rate Regulation Initiative
Covered California board members have called for the board to issue a formal statement against a ballot initiative that would grant the state insurance commissioner regulatory authority over health insurance rate changes. However, advocacy groups and some other stakeholders say the exchange board should not take a position on the measure. Sacramento Bee‘s “Capitol Alert.”
100K Could Lose Covered California Coverage in October
About 100,000 California residents who purchased health insurance through Covered California could lose their coverage if they fail to submit documents verifying their lawful presence in the country. Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California, said most of the affected enrollees likely are legal residents. Los Angeles Times.
Covered Calif. To Offer Optional Family Dental Coverage in 2015
Beginning in 2015, consumers shopping for health insurance through Covered California will have the option of purchasing an add-on family dental plan for an additional cost. Consumers can buy the plans beginning in early 2015, but financial assistance for the additional coverage will not be available. Central Valley Business Times, Covered California release.
FBI Warns Hackers Are Targeting Health Care Organizations
The FBI has issued a flash alert warning that hackers are targeting health care organizations for intellectual property, such as equipment development and medical device data. Meanwhile, three lawmakers are calling for legislative action to better prevent cyberattacks. Reuters, Politico‘s “eMorning Health.”
On Thursday, the Fair Political Practices Commission declined to issue a proposed $1,000 against Priya Mathur, vice president of the CalPERS board of administration, for failing to file mandatory campaign financial statements for 2012 and 2013 within an appropriate amount of time. Instead, some members are seeking a penalty up to $4,000 for Mathur, who was cited for missing four semiannual campaign contribution reports deadlines. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee.