Latest California Healthline Stories
Santa Clara County Officials Consider Banning Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
On Thursday, Santa Clara County officials voiced their support for a complete ban on medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas. However, about a dozen stakeholders and advocates said such a ban could negatively affect patients’ access to necessary medication and could increase black market sales of the drug. Contra Costa Times.
CIRM Leader Takes Steps To Avoid Conflicts of Interest
The president and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine says that he will not accept gifts or other compensation from any group that receives funding from the agency. In addition, he will not accept job offers from such groups for one year after he leaves CIRM. The announcements come after the organization’s former president recently was named to the board of directors of StemCells Inc., which was awarded $19 million by CIRM. U-T San Diego.
Californians To Receive $12M This Year Under MLR Rule
Californians are expected to receive $12 million in refunds this year under the Affordable Care Act’s medical-loss ratio provision. Small employers insured through Blue Cross of California will receive the largest portion — $3.8 million. Sacramento Business Journal.
Military Suicides on the Rise, DOD Report Finds
Suicide rates among active duty military members have increased so far this year compared with the same period last year, according to a Department of Defense report released Tuesday. According to the report, there were 161 confirmed or attempted suicides among active duty service members as of July 14, compared with 154 during the same period in 2013. AP/New York Times.
CalPERS Expected To Reduce Hedge Fund Investments
CalPERS is expected to reduce its hedge fund investments by 40% this year — bringing such investments to $3 million — as it moves toward a “back-to-basics approach,” according to an individual familiar with the move. The change could influence how other public pensions across the country invest in hedge funds, observers say. Wall Street Journal.
Study: 10.3M U.S. Residents Have Gained Coverage Since Fall 2013
A new study finds that about 10.3 million U.S. residents have gained coverage since the launch of the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges. The study also finds that the uninsured rate has declined by 5.2 percentage points for adults under age 65, with the biggest declines coming among blacks, Latinos and young adults. Reuters et al.
Insurers Refund $332M to Consumers Under MLR Rules in 2013
A new HHS report finds that insurers issued more than $332 million in rebates to consumers last year under the Affordable Care Act’s medical-loss ration provision, which requires health insurance companies to spend at least 80% of collected premium dollars on medical care. The report shows that consumers received an average refund of $80 per family. Modern Healthcare et al.
Calif. Pharmacists Largely Oppose Translated Rx Drug Labels
California pharmacists say that requiring written translations for prescription drug instructions could increase costs, interrupt pharmacy workflow and lead to greater liability for the providers. Stakeholders will discuss the issue during a meeting of the California Board of Pharmacy next week. Sacramento Bee.
Advocates Say Calif. Immigrants Are Wrongly Denied Health Coverage
Yesterday, lawmakers and advocates warned that many California immigrants who are newly eligible for health coverage under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program might not be receiving the care they are entitled to because of insufficient communication between public agencies. Sacramento Bee.
Brown Signs Bill Increasing Rights of Assisted-Living Residents
Gov. Brown has signed a bill that requires assisted-living facilities to aid residents in establishing a resident council if two or more residents request it. The bill also requires such facilities to inform residents about the council and its activities and respond in writing to council concerns. Contra Costa Times, Stockton Record.