Latest California Healthline Stories
California To Begin Paroling More Elderly, Medically Frail Inmates
California parole officials say the state will begin paroling more elderly and medically frail inmates as part of an effort to reduce prison overcrowding. Gov. Brown earlier this year predicted that about 185 prisoners would be eligible under the expanded programs. Los Angeles Times‘ “PolitiCal.”
CMS Launches Educational Campaign About ACA Insurance
A new CMS campaign aims to educate consumers about everything from basic health care terminology to how they can use new coverage purchased under the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, an Enroll America report finds that detailing the availability of financial assistance is the best way to motivate individuals to enroll in coverage. The Hill et al.
Physicians Push for Extension of Medicaid Reimbursement Increase
Last week, a group of 21 physician associations and health care organizations sent a letter to House and Senate lawmakers urging them to extend for at least two additional years an Affordable Care Act provision that increases Medicaid payments for primary care doctors. Modern Healthcare.
Well-Child Visits Not Meeting Low-Income Families’ Needs, UCLA Study Finds
The current structure of well-child visits is not meeting low-income families’ needs, according to a UCLA study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics. Such visits make up more than one-third of all infant and toddler outpatient appointments. Los Angeles Examiner
USC, Scripps Negotiating Potential Acquisition, Merger
The University of Southern California is negotiating a potential merger with or acquisition of Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla. The deal aims to improve the institute’s financial situation as it faces competition for federal funding and increasing pension obligations. U-T San Diego.
Appeals Court Denies Class-Action Lawsuit Against Sutter Health Over Meal, Rest Breaks
Earlier this month, an appeals court rejected an effort by registered nurses to combine three proposed class-action lawsuits into one large class-action suit against Sutter Health for allegedly failing to provide meal and rest breaks. The court ruled that the plaintiffs’ lawyers were unable to demonstrate that the workers received common treatment. Sutter Health said it is “pleased” with the court’s ruling, while the plaintiffs’ lawyers are considering appealing to the California Supreme Court. Sacramento Business Journal.
Santa Clara County Launches Program Offering Veterans ID Cards To Access Health Care Services
Last week, Santa Clara County unveiled its new Veterans Identification Card System, which will allow about 85,000 veterans in the area to obtain a photo ID card to access health care and other veterans’ services. Richard Herrera, veterans services director for the county, said the no-cost cards can be used to file disability and medical claims. Contra Costa Times.
Number of College Students Requesting Special Accommodations for Health Issues on the Rise
The number of California college students who request special testing accommodations — often because of health problems — has significantly increased in recent years. Students can request such accommodations if they have been diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, gastrointestinal problems, hearing problems, spinal cord injuries or other health-related issues. KQED’s “California Report.”
Feds Seek To Resolve Discrepancies in ACA Exchange Applications
The federal government is asking hundreds of thousands of people who enrolled in subsidized coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges to submit copies of documentation to verify their eligibility. In related news, 27 new insurers in 10 states plan to offer private plans through the exchanges next year after declining to participate this year. New York Times, The Hill.
Report: U.S. Ranks Last Among 11 Countries for Health Care Quality
A Commonwealth Fund report finds that the U.S. spends the most per capita on health care but ranks last in health care system quality among 11 western, industrialized countries. However, the report is based on data collected before the Affordable Care Act fully took effect, so the law might help the U.S. improve in certain metrics. Washington Post‘s “To Your Health,” Yahoo! News/CNBC.