Latest California Healthline Stories
De León Elected Next Calif. Senate President Pro Tempore
On Monday, California Sen. Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) was elected as the next state Senate President Pro Tempore. While de León will take over the position on Oct. 15 after current Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) steps down, he immediately will become chief strategist over Democratic Senate campaigns ahead of the November election cycle. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
‘Deferred Action’ Residents Face Obstacles to Signing Up for Medi-Cal
California residents who qualify for Medicaid through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program face several challenges to obtaining the health coverage, including difficult paperwork requirements, eligibility workers lacking awareness about qualifications and issues with an online enrollment portal. New America Media/Philippine Inquirer.
HHS Unveils Data on Federal Exchange Subsidies, Premiums
An HHS report released today shows that U.S. residents who enrolled in coverage through the federal health insurance exchange pay an average of $82 per month, with federal subsidies covering 76% of the average monthly premium. HHS says it does not yet have complete data on the state-run exchanges, including Covered California. AP/ABC News et al.
CalPERS Board Approves 2015 Premium Rates
The CalPERS board has approved new rates for 2015 that will result in about 40% of CalPERS policyholders paying lower premiums, but rates will increase for hundreds of thousands of other members. For example, premiums for Blue Shield of California HMO members will jump by 9.6% to 16.4%, while premiums for Kaiser HMO members will decline by 4.3%. Sacramento Business Journal.
Managed Risk Insurance Board To Cease Operations on June 30
The Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board is set to stop operations at the end of June under a budget plan approved by the California Legislature. Since the Affordable Care Act guarantees coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions, MRMIB has become unnecessary. Sacramento Business Journal.
Former Employee Accuses Kaiser of Jeopardizing Patients’ Mental Health Care
Andy Weisskoff, a former psychotherapist at Kaiser Permanente, has written dozens of blog posts accusing the HMO of limiting one-on-one therapy and understaffing therapists, which he argues has led to long waits for individual therapy sessions and has negatively affected patients’ mental health. Kaiser is investigating the allegations but dismissed Weisskoff’s actions as a union ploy. Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Court Strikes Down Calif. Law Requiring Ballot Initiative Backers To Disclose Their Identity
On Monday, a U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled the 1st Amendment allows supporters of ballot initiatives in California to remain anonymous when collecting signatures to qualify ballot initiatives. The ruling strikes down a state law requiring proposal backers to disclose their names when collecting signatures. Los Angeles Times.
About 66% of U.S. Residents Satisfied With Health System
About two-thirds of U.S. residents said they were satisfied with the present state of the nation’s health care system, according to a new Gallup poll. Along political party lines, 61% of Republicans and Republican-leaning respondents and 75% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning respondents said they were satisfied with the current system. The Hill.
Assembly Committee Hears Testimony on LGBT Seniors’ Health Needs
Last week, the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care held a hearing to address the specific needs — including health care — of elderly lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender residents in the state. Experts testified that there is a lack of providers trained to treat LGBT-specific needs. Bay Area Reporter.
Union To Pressure Calif. Hospital Groups That Refuse To Join Pact
Dave Regan, president of the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, says the union will pressure Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Prime Healthcare Services and Providence Health & Services after the health systems refused to join a pact with SEIU-UHW. FierceHealthFinance, Los Angeles Times.