Latest California Healthline Stories
Assembly, Senate Hold Hearing on Rate Review Ballot Initiative
State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee are split on the potential effects of a ballot initiative that would give the state government regulatory authority over health insurance premium rates. KQED’s “State of Health,” Los Angeles Times.
Adventist Health, Dignity Health Report Lower Income Amid ACA Implementation
Roseville-based Adventist Health, which has the largest network of rural health clinics in California, has reported a significant decrease in net income last year, falling from $133.1 million in 2012 to $55.1 million in 2013. Meanwhile, Dignity Health reported losing $17.4 million in operating income during the first quarter of 2014. Industry experts say the losses are evidence of the challenges of complying with the Affordable Care Act. Sacramento Business Journal.
Medi-Cal Backlog Down to 600K, DHCS Official Says
California Department of Health Care Services spokesperson Anthony Cava last week said that the number of Medi-Cal applications awaiting verification has fallen from 900,000 to 600,000 — about a 33% reduction since May. The update came after the Health Consumer Alliance sent a letter to DHCS on Wednesday detailing concerns about the backlog. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Berkeley Approves Ballot Measure to Impose Tax on Sugary Drink Distributors
Last week, the Berkeley City Council unanimously voted to approve a proposal for the November ballot that would impose a one-cent-per-ounce tax on distributors of sugar-sweetened beverages. Supporters of the tax argue that sugar-sweetened beverages have been linked to childhood obesity and diabetes, while opponents say the tax would do little to address those health concerns. If passed by voters, it would be the first such tax in the U.S.
On Tuesday, ACLU of Southern California and the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law released a report finding that about 17% of inmates on any given night in Los Angeles County have severe mental illnesses. The organizations called for the county to provide alternatives to jail for individuals with mental health issues. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”
UC Unveils Project To Aid Nutrition in U.S., Abroad
On Tuesday, the University of California unveiled a new initiative aimed at ending hunger and improving nutrition in the U.S. and other countries. The project will include collaboration between scientists on how to protect crops from climate change and selling locally sourced food on UC campuses. Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Gonorrhea, Syphilis Rates on the Rise in California, Data Show
New data from the California Department of Public Health show that gonorrhea and syphilis rates increased significantly in 2013. The data also find that sexually transmitted infections continue to be most common in women between the ages of 15 and 24. KPCC’s “KPCC News,” DPH release.
OIG Report: Covered Calif. Failed To Properly Verify Eligibility
A recent report by HHS’ Office of Inspector General criticizes Covered California for failing to verify some exchange applicants’ eligibility during the first three months of open enrollment. In response, Covered California cited the small sample size used in the report and noted that federal regulators approved the state’s verification process. Los Angeles Times et al.
CMS Issues Proposed Rule on Home Health Care Service Providers
CMS has proposed a rule that would alter eligibility standards for home health service providers and reduce Medicare payments to such providers by 0.3%. CMS says the payment reduction would generate $58 million in savings in 2015. The Hill, Modern Healthcare.
Study: Childhood Vaccines Generally Safe, Severe Side Effects Rare
A new study finds that childhood vaccines are generally safe and that the risk of serious side effects are extremely rare. The new report backs up data from a 2011 Institute of Medicine report that also found that serious side effects caused by vaccines are very rare. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today.