Latest California Healthline Stories
Calif. Democratic Party Executive Board Endorses Rate Review Ballot Initiative
The executive board of the California Democratic Party has voted to endorse a November ballot initiative that would give the state regulatory authority over health insurance rates. The board chose to remain neutral on other measures that would require doctors to undergo drug and alcohol testing and would raise limits on certain damages in medical malpractice lawsuits. Sacramento Bee.
Sonoma County Whooping Cough Rates Reach 120 Cases per 100,000 Residents
There are nearly 120 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, for every 100,000 residents in Sonoma County — the highest rate in the state. Karen Holbrook, interim health officer for the county, said the illness has peaked and cases are beginning to decline. Meanwhile, there are 90 whooping cough cases per 100,000 Napa County residents and 65 cases per 100,000 Marin County residents. KQED’s “State of Health.”
U.S. Dementia Rates Declining, Study Finds
U.S. residents older than age 60 are 44% less likely to develop dementia than similar-aged adults about 30 years ago, according to results of a recent Framingham Heart Study report. Researchers concluded that “the actual risk of dementia seems to have declined” because of increased education and better control of health factors, such as cholesterol and blood pressure, according to Kenneth Langa of the University of Michigan. AP/U-T San Diego.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas proposed allocating $20 million for programs aimed at diverting individuals with mental illnesses from being incarcerated. Ridley-Thomas noted that the county currently has about $3 million over the next two years set aside for such efforts. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
E-Prescribing on the Rise, ONC Data Show
The percentage of physicians who electronically prescribe has increased ten-fold since the implementation of two federal incentive programs, according to new data from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. ONC noted that the percentage of new and renewal prescriptions sent electronically across the U.S. increased from 4% in 2008 to 57% in 2013. FierceHealthIT, VentureBeat.
ACA To Help Curb Entitlement Spending Over 25 Years, CBO Says
A new Congressional Budget Office report finds that cost-control measures implemented under the Affordable Care Act will help to lower the growth in federal health care spending over the next two-and-a-half decades. However, the report states that spending growth in federal entitlement programs will eventually swell the national debt to “unsustainable” levels. The Hill et al.
Poll: Most Voters Say $1,000-a-Pill Hepatitis Drug Price ‘Unacceptable’
A Morning Consult survey finds that a large majority of U.S. residents say a new $1,000-a-pill drug for hepatitis C is “unacceptable” and could curb innovation within the drug industry. The price has spurred debate across the health care system over costs for breakthrough therapies. The Hill et al.
Report: Groups Mine Health Data Without Individuals’ Knowledge
A California HealthCare Foundation report finds that “big data” from consumers’ mobile phones, Internet use and other sources often are used by third parties to create health profiles without the individuals’ knowledge. Central Valley Business Times, CHCF report.
Redesigned Website Offers More Data on California Care Facilities
The California Department of Social Services’ website has been redesigned to include more information on long-term care facilities in the state, such as a list of citations against each facility, a picture of each facility’s location and a log of inspections. San Jose Mercury News.
California Senate Launches Aging and Long-Term Care Committee
A newly formed state Senate Select Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care aims to streamline California’s long-term care systems, educate the public on aging services and create programs that cater to the state’s diverse aging population. The five-member committee is chaired by state Sen. Carol Liu. HealthyCal.