Latest California Healthline Stories
Republicans Seek Details on Medicaid Backlog, Exchange Subsidies
House and Senate Republicans sent separate letters to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius seeking more information about potential penalties for states with a backlog of Medicaid applications and the government’s ability to verify consumers’ incomes for federal subsidies. The Hill, Washington Times.
Self-Employed Actors, Musicians in California Stand To Benefit From Affordable Care Act
California has the most artists of any state in the U.S., and those individuals stand to benefit from the Affordable Care Act, according to research by the National Endowment for the Arts. According to the study, more than 30% of artists are self-employed, and that population typically lacks insurance at higher rates than other groups. In comparison, just 10% of the general U.S. population is self-employed. Los Angeles Times.
CalPERS Moves Some Investments to Lower-Risk Areas
CalPERS has approved a plan to shift some of its private and global investments into less risky markets, such as fixed-income investments, even though the higher-risk investments have been performing well. CalPERS spokesperson Joe DeAnda said the move was positive for the pension fund, adding, “There’s a general sense within the organization that when we have an opportunity to lower risk in the portfolio, that’s a prudent thing to do.” Sacramento Business Journal.
Total Number of Patients Affected by Sutherland Healthcare Solutions Data Breach Reaches 342K
On Thursday, Los Angeles County officials announced that an additional 3,497 patients might have been affected by a February data breach at Sutherland Healthcare Solutions’ Torrance office. Officials said the newly identified individuals, which included Department of Public Health patients, bring the total of potential victims to about 342,000. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now,” AP/Sacramento Bee.
Calif. Doubles Mental Health Records Sent to Federal Gun Database
A report finds that California significantly increased the number of mental health records it sent to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System from 2011 to 2013. The database is used by gun dealers to ensure weapons are not sold to individuals who are prohibited from owning firearms. San Francisco Chronicle‘s “Politics Blog,” Everytown for Gun Safety report.
California Hospital News Roundup for the Week of May 23, 2014
Dignity Health’s quarterly report shows the hospital lost $17.4 million in operating costs during the first quarter of this year, compared with a $42.3 million gain during the same quarter last year. A group of registered nurses at Sutter Health’s Modesto Memorial Medical Center has filed a petition to join the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United union.
Calif. To Expand Kettleman City Toxic Waste Landfill Despite Residents’ Health Concerns
On Wednesday, California officials announced that a plan to expand a hazardous waste landfill in Kettleman City has been approved, despite residents’ concerns about the health effects, such as birth defects. Under the plan, the landfill — which is the largest toxic waste site in the western U.S. — could be expanded by 50%. AP/Columbus Republic.
Family Health Care Costs Have Doubled Since 2004, Milliman Analysis Finds
Although the total health care costs for a four-member family with coverage through a typical employer-sponsored health plan, including premiums covered by the employers, has more than doubled over the past decade, cost growth in the last year was the slowest in 14 years, according to an analysis by Milliman. According to actuarial projections in the 2014 Milliman Medical Index, a typical family of four in the U.S. will spend an average of $9,695 on health care services this year, up from $4,443 in 2004. AP/Sacramento Bee.
AHIP CEO: Industry Must Address Rising Rx Drug Costs
During a forum on the future of medicine, America’s Health Insurance Plans President and CEO Karen Ignagni warned that if industry stakeholders do not “begin talking” about addressing rising prescription drug costs, the federal government will be forced to step in. The Hill et al.
Many Health Clinics Unprepared To Meet Demand Under ACA
A UCLA Center for Health Policy Research brief finds that many small community health clinics in Los Angeles are unprepared to treat an influx of patients who obtained health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The brief’s author said the clinics must “expand beyond their traditional roles and responsibilities” to meet the higher demand. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now” et al.