Latest California Healthline Stories
Report: ‘Copper’ Exchange Plans Could Save Money, Boost Enrollment
An Avalere Health report finds that introducing “copper” plans to the menu of options in the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges starting in 2016 would reduce the deficit by $300 million over the next decade. The proposed copper plans would cover 50% of an average enrollee’s medical costs, compared with 60% of such costs covered by bronze plans. Modern Healthcare‘ “Vital Signs” et al.
Recent California Appeals Court Decision Could Prompt Hospitals To Change BYOD Policies
A recent California Court of Appeals ruling ordering retail employers to reimburse employees for using their personal devices for work could have implications for the health care industry. Some observers say that if the ruling is applied broadly, it could prompt hospitals to bar workers from using their own devices for work and opt for a lower-cost bulk plan, in which the hospital provides devices for employees. MobiHealthNews.
CalPERS Committee Passes Proposal To Alter State Employee Pension Calculations
On Tuesday, a CalPERS committee approved a proposal to include nearly 100 additional types of special payments — such as pay from temporary promotions — when calculating public workers’ pension benefits. The proposal, which would only affect employees who joined the pension fund in 2013 and later, now goes to the full CalPERS board for a final vote where it is expected to pass. Sacramento Bee‘s “The State Worker,” Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
On Tuesday, a group of 33 Anthem Blue Cross members filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging that Anthem misrepresented the size of its physician networks and insurance benefits offered in plans sold through Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange. The lawsuit follows a class-action suit filed in July against the insurer for allegedly misleading consumers who enrolled in its health plans about which physicians and hospitals were included in its provider networks. Los Angeles Times.
Hospitals Rethinking Charity Care Policies Amid ACA
Amid concerns that no- or low-cost care could dissuade people from signing up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, many hospitals are reassessing their charity care programs. For example, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center has updated its charity care program to exclude “applicants who refuse to purchase federally mandated health insurance when they are eligible to do so” or who refuse to enroll in the state’s expanded Medicaid program. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.
Community Health System Reports Hackers Stole Data on 4.5M Patients in California, Other States
On Monday, Community Health Systems announced that an external group of hackers attacked its computer network and stole the non-medical data, such as addresses, names and Social Security numbers, of 4.5 million patients. The Tennessee-based health system operates 206 hospitals across 29 states — including California. Modern Healthcare.
CalPERS Board Mulls Changes to State Worker Pension Calculations
The CalPERS board this week will consider adding 99 types of special payments to pension calculations for state workers. Gov. Brown has expressed concerns about increasing pension benefits based on temporary pay increases, saying that doing so “disregards the rule that pensions will be based on normal monthly pay.” Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News,” Sacramento Bee.
CMS Denies FOIA Request for HealthCare.gov Security Documents
CMS has denied the Associated Press‘ Freedom of Information Act request for Healthcare.gov documents, saying that releasing the information could violate federal health data privacy laws and put consumers’ private data at risk. The AP submitted the request in 2013 amid concerns about the site’s security. AP/San Francisco Chronicle.
Study: Young Adults’ Access to Mental Health Care Better Under ACA
A Health Affairs study finds that the number of U.S. residents ages 18 to 25 receiving treatment for mental health issues increased by 2% since the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010. The researchers say there is evidence that an ACA provision allowing young adults stay on their parents’ coverage could have contributed to the increase. NPR’s “Shots,” Health Affairs.
Three Bills in California Assisted-Living Overhaul Package Fail
The California Legislature has failed to pass three bills that were part of a larger package to overhaul the state’s assisted-living industry. The bills would have created a more detailed online consumer information portal on such facilities and required the state to perform unannounced inspections and investigate complaints related to alleged abuse or imminent physical harm within one business day. KQED’s “State of Health.”