Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Would Limit State’s Seizure of Medi-Cal Beneficiaries’ Assets
The California Legislature is considering a bill that would limit the amount of assets the state can recoup from deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries’ estates. However, Gov. Brown’s budget advisers have urged the governor to oppose the measure, noting that the state would lose $15 million annually if the bill becomes law. Contra Costa Times.
Senate OKs VA Proposal, Lawmakers Expected To Pursue Unified Bill
The Senate has passed a bipartisan bill that would address recent allegations of delayed care at Veterans Affairs health centers across the country. The bill is similar to one that the House passed earlier this week, making it likely that a unified measure soon will be sent to President Obama. Washington Post‘s “Federal Eye” et al.
San Francisco, Sacramento Most Costly Cities for Primary Care Visits
A new Castlight Health analysis finds that San Francisco and Sacramento are the two most expensive cities in the country for preventive primary care visits. In addition, Sacramento has the highest prices in the nation for CT scans of the head and MRIs of the lower back, according to the report. Washington Post et al.
Investigators Find No Evidence of Inflated Cancer Rates Among Treasure Island Residents
An investigation by the California Cancer Prevention Institute found no statistical difference in cancer rates among Treasure Island islands than other similar communities in the San Francisco Bay area. Local residents have raised concerns about the former Navy Yard after inspections detected toxic contamination in the soil under Treasure Island’s housing area, including several radioactive items. San Francisco Chronicle.
Opinion: Restoring Medi-Cal Funding Cuts ‘Common Sense’
In a U-T San Diego opinion piece, California Medical Association President Richard Thorp argues that as “the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown negotiate last-minute details on the budget,” they have an opportunity to “restore funding cuts to California’s Medicaid program to ensure real access to care.” He writes, “Just last month, the Legislative Analyst’s Office estimated that there is more money for health care services than the governor’s May revise budget originally projected,” adding, “Therefore, it’s common sense that we restore the 10% cut to ensure all Californians … have real access to quality medical care.” UT-San Diego.
UCLA Survey: Dual-Eligibles Want Consistent Coverage During Transition to Managed Care
California residents who are eligible for both Medi-Cal and Medicare want consistency in coverage and access to care as the state transitions them into managed care health plans under the Cal Mediconnect program, according to a survey conducted by UCLA researchers. On April1, the state began the process of moving about 455,000 dual-eligibles in eight counties to their new plans. Payers & Providers.
Study: ACA Led to Spike in Inpatient Mental Health Visits
Inpatient hospital visits related to mental health increased in response to an Affordable Care Act provision that allowed young adults to stay on their parents’ health plan until age 26, according to a new study by researchers at Indiana and Purdue universities. However, one researcher said the finding could indicate that there are inadequate outpatient mental health resources available to the newly insured. Kaiser Health News‘ “Capsules.”
Nearly Half of Exchange Plans Offer Narrow Provider Networks, McKinsey Study Finds
About 50% of health plans available through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges this year have narrow provider networks, according to a report from the McKinsey Center for U.S. Health System Reform. The study found that broad network plans were available to 90% of potential customers, while narrow-network plans were available to 92% of potential customers. Modern Healthcare‘s “Vital Signs.”
AHIP Proposes Expanding Catastrophic Plans, Other ACA Changes
In recommendations released today, America’s Health Insurance Plans calls for the creation of a new option for subsidy-eligible catastrophic health plans. The group also recommends a 30-day transition period for certain individuals who switch insurers or whose physicians are no longer in their plan’s network, as well as other Affordable Care Act changes. AP/Sacramento Bee.
HHS Approves SHOP Exchange Delay for 18 States
HHS will allow 18 states to delay until 2016 a portion of the Affordable Care Act’s Small Business Health Options Program that would give employees of small businesses a choice of health plans. Critics say the delay could lead to higher premiums and stifle insurer competition. The Hill et al.