Latest California Healthline Stories
Calif. Bill Aims To Delay ACA Requirements for Small Businesses
A bill in the California Senate would give businesses with fewer than 50 employees an additional year to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s coverage requirements. The bill includes an urgency clause so that it would be implemented immediately if it receives the governor’s approval. Fox Business‘ “Small Business Center,” California Department of Insurance release.
House Lawmakers Criticize CMS’ Medicare Fraud Efforts
Lawmakers at a House subcommittee hearing yesterday argued that CMS’ efforts to address Medicare payment fraud could unfairly harm compliant providers. Meanwhile, the Government Accountability Office released a report that commended the federal government’s anti-fraud efforts but urged CMS to clarify its processes. Modern Healthcare et al.
Two California Doctors To Pay $100K To Settle Allegations of Insider Trading
On Monday, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that two Southern California doctors have agreed to pay more than $100,000 to settle allegations of insider trading involving a prostate cancer drug they were testing. The SEC said the doctors, who were accused of selling off stock in the drug’s developer, acknowledged no wrongdoing in the settlement. AP/San Francisco Chronicle
CalPERS To Launch Website With Health Care Cost, Quality Data
CalPERS in June will launch a website that gives some members access to health care cost and quality data in an effort to increase transparency. The database will allow consumers to compare health care providers based on patient satisfaction and other cost and quality metrics. Government Technology, Castlight Health release.
On Tuesday, San Francisco Supervisor Mark Farrell said he will put a measure on the November ballot to create a county program under Laura’s Law that would require outpatient treatment of residents with severe mentally illnesses if the majority of the board does not vote to implement such a program. Similar programs have been approved or piloted in Nevada, Orange and Yolo counties. Los Angeles Times‘ “L.A. Now.”
Riverside County Coalition Aims To Reduce Residents’ Unhealthy Behaviors
The Riverside County Health Coalition recently released a Healthy City Resolution Tool Kit in an effort to push local governments to make the area more conducive to healthy behaviors. Nearly two-thirds of deaths in the county are tied to inactivity, poor nutrition and the use of tobacco. HealthyCal.
Researchers at the California-based Cancer Prevention Institute say there is an epidemic of thyroid cancer, with the rate of such cancer among women doubling from 1990 to 2005. Christina Clarke, with the institute, said research findings “suggest that there’s something new in our environment or in what we’re doing that is causing this cancer.” Capital Public Radio’s “KXJZ News.”
Competition Among ACA Exchange Plans Likely Will Keep Premiums Down in 2015, Analysis Finds
Competition in the federal and state health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act likely will be a key factor in preventing insurers from significantly raising premiums in 2015, according to a new analysis from the Urban Institute and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. For the report, researchers examined premium data from eight states and concluded that exchange rates were less costly in each state compared with similar policies sold prior to the launch of the online marketplaces. Modern Healthcare.
Home Health Unions, Advocates Fight Proposed Limit on Hours
A proposal in Gov. Brown’s revised fiscal year 2014-2015 budget that would cap the number of hours home health care employees can work is being criticized by unions and patient advocates, who say the limit could reduce access to care. Brown said the move could save the state about $186 million annually. Sacramento Bee.
Los Angeles AIDS Advocates Have Mixed Reaction Over CDC Recommendation of HIV-Prevention Pill
Los Angeles-area advocates for individuals with AIDS have had mixed reactions to a recent CDC recommendation that Truvada, an HIV-prevention pill, be taken every day by individuals in populations at high risk for contracting the disease. Antonio David Garcia, the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center’s director of policy and community building, said the pill should be used as a preventive measure. However, Whitney Engeran-Cordova, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s senior director for public health, said using the pill could lead to riskier behavior. KPCC’s “KPCC News.”