California Healthline: Children's Health Coverage

Legislation Signals Growing Support for Significance of Trauma Indicators

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 11:00:00 Z

A new Assembly bill addresses a theory that has been gaining greater acceptance in the medical community and beyond: Adverse childhood experiences may be strong indicators of health risk factors later in life.

Federal Report: Children in Medi-Cal Getting Inadequate Dental Care

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 11:00:00 Z

A federal report released yesterday says 29% of California kids in Medi-Cal did not receive any dental care in the past year and 78% did not receive all required dental services.

Report Shows Room To Improve Dental Care Use Among Low-Income Children in Sacramento

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 14:28:00 Z

Forty percent of Sacramento-based children on Medi-Cal managed care plans use their dental coverage, compared with 52.5% statewide, according to a report released Thursday by the health care consulting firm Barbara Aved Associates. Dental health advocates plan to present the report's findings to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors next week in an effort to increase the use of dental services among low-income children. Sacramento Bee.

Trying To Reach Last Few Children Eligible for Coverage but Not Insured

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 11:00:00 Z

A new effort aims to reach children in California who are eligible for health coverage but remain uninsured. The main targets are small businesses that employ many of their parents.

Bill Would Fund Mental Health Care for Children Experiencing Trauma

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 15:00:00 Z

Assembly member Rob Bonta has introduced legislation to restore funding for a California program that provides mental health services to children struggling with anxiety, withdrawal and other symptoms related to trauma and stress. The bill has garnered support from State Attorney General Kamala Harris and Children Now. San Francisco Chronicle.

Rate of Children Covered by Medi-Cal Visiting Dentists Up, Study Finds

Thu, 07 Jan 2016 15:21:00 Z

A new study by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute finds that between 2000 and 2013, the rate of children covered by California's Medicaid program who had visited a dentist in the last 12 months increased by 13 percentage points. Watertown Daily Times et al.

State Dropping Ball in Dealing With Childhood Trauma, New Report Says

Thu, 07 Jan 2016 11:00:00 Z

The 2016 California Children's Report Card released yesterday says the state is not doing enough to promote healing for more than one million California kids experiencing trauma in their lives.

New Rules Aim To Tighten Rx Approval Process for Calif. Foster Kids

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 13:52:00 Z

Proposed new rules in California aim to tighten the courts' process for approving psychiatric drugs for children in the state's foster care system. For example, the rules would require judges to consider how recommended drugs might improve a child's mental health and children's input, among other things, before providing approval. San Jose Mercury News.

Central Valley Town Trying Something New To Combat Asthma

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 11:00:00 Z

An in-home asthma intervention program in Fresno may attract investors to a social impact bond that would allow the program to expand.

New NIH Project Focuses on Children's Health Research

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 19:38:00 Z

On Monday, NIH announced a new project aimed to boost understanding of how early-life exposure to certain environmental factors can affect the development of some medical conditions. The project will focus on research that examines individuals' interactions during pregnancy and early childhood and how those interactions can affect asthma and airway disorders; birth defects and other infant health outcomes; neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and learning disabilities; and obesity. AP/Sacramento Bee.

Are State Policies on Autism Treatment Limiting Access to Care for Children?

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 11:00:00 Z

Advocates are calling the Medi-Cal requirements to access autism treatment onerous and say the state is putting up barriers to care. State officials say they're just being deliberate.

HHS: CHIP Coverage More Comprehensive Than ACA Exchange Plans

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 14:22:00 Z

An HHS analysis finds that coverage available for children through the Children's Health Insurance Program is more affordable and offers more comprehensive benefits than health plans sold through the Affordable Care Act's exchanges. Health care industry experts say they were not surprised by the findings. Modern Healthcare.

Two California Counties Get Grants To Address Effects of Early Traumatic Events

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 11:54:00 Z

Fourteen communities across the country -- including two in California -- are getting funds to try to reverse the bad health trends of patients with traumatic childhood events.

CMS Announces $32M Initiative To Boost Enrollment of Uninsured Children in Medicaid, CHIP

Wed, 18 Nov 2015 19:38:00 Z

This week, CMS announced a $32 million initiative aimed at enrolling more uninsured children in health coverage through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The funding will be used to identify children who likely are eligible for the programs, provide information on the programs to low-income families and help with first-time and renewal applications. AP/Healthcare Finance News.

Autism Advocates Burn Over State Plan

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 11:00:00 Z

Advocates are bristling over autism therapy guidelines for Medi-Cal managed care plans released by state officials last week.

CDC Says More Than 2.2% of U.S. Children Ages Three to 17 Have Been Diagnosed With Autism

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:53:00 Z

More than 2.2% of U.S. residents ages three to 17 have been diagnosed with autism, according to a CDC report released Friday. According to the report, about 1.25% of U.S. residents ages three to 17 were diagnosed with autism from 2011 to 2013. USA Today.

Plan To Address Childhood Adversity

Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:00:00 Z

At a state summit in San Diego, experts agreed on a plan to include adverse childhood experience -- known as ACE indicators -- in medical, educational and legislative settings.

Childhood Trauma Action Plan Coming

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 11:00:00 Z

California experts are gathering to focus on a relatively new health care indicator -- adverse childhood experiences, which may portend many adult health conditions.

California Sees Largest Drop in Number of Uninsured Children

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 13:12:00 Z

A report by Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families finds that the number of uninsured children in California dropped by 176,000 between 2013 and 2014, the largest decline of any state. California's uninsured rate among kids was 5.4% in 2014, compared with a national average of 6%. Public News Service et al.

State Takes Steps To Curb Overmedication of Foster Children -- Is It Enough?

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 11:54:00 Z

Former foster child Shanequa Arrington, state Sen. Jim Beall, public health nurse Susan Bullard, Bill Grimm and Anna Johnson of the National Center for Youth Law, Cathy Senderling-McDonald of the California Welfare Directors Association and Mike Wofford of the state Department of Health Care Services spoke with California Healthline about the possible over-prescribing of psychotropic and antipsychotic medication for foster children in California.

Brown Signs Bills To Reduce Rx Use Among Foster Children

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 13:59:00 Z

Gov. Brown has signed a package of three bills aimed at increasing oversight and reducing the amount of psychiatric medication prescribed to children who are part of California's foster care system. Advocates for children and low-income residents largely supported Brown's decision to sign the legislation. HealthyCal et al.

Parents of Developmentally Disabled at Regional Centers Get a Fiscal Break

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 10:00:00 Z

Gov. Brown signed legislation this week putting parental fees at the state's regional centers on a sliding scale.

California Children Often Face Waits for Mental Health Care

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 14:10:00 Z

California children in mental health crises often face days-long waits in emergency departments before being sent to a mental health care facility that sometimes can be hundreds of miles away. Experts say these waits and long distances can exacerbate kids' mental health issues. Modesto Bee.

Foster Children With Untreated Health Issues Face Barriers to Care

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 15:20:00 Z

A report by researchers from California and other states finds that children in foster care systems who have unmet physical and mental health needs face several barriers to health care, including consent and confidentiality issues, a lack of care coordination and limited access to health information. NPR's "Shots," Pediatrics.

Southern California Sees Decline in Obese, Overweight Children

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:52:00 Z

A new study by Kaiser Permanente finds that the obesity rate among Southern California children dropped by 1.6 percentage points between 2008 and 2013, while the rate of overweight children in the area fell by 2.2 percentage points. The declines occurred among all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic categories. Orange County Register, Journal of Pediatrics.

Little Hoover Takes On Denti-Cal

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 10:00:00 Z

The troubled dental program for Medi-Cal beneficiaries will be scrutinized and advised by the nonpartisan Little Hoover Commission.

One in Six School Districts Has Dropped Medi-Cal Referral Program

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 15:10:00 Z

A recent state audit finds that the California Department of Health Care Services has failed to adequately oversee and manage a program that reimburses school districts for some of the cost of referring students to the state's Medicaid program. Nearly one in six school districts has dropped out of the program, the audit finds. EdSource, California State Auditor report.

State's Children Bear Brunt of Poverty

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:00:00 Z

Advocates and analysts weigh in on new census data that show about two million California children -- nearly one in every four children -- lived in poverty last year.

Day Care Worker Vaccine Bill Approved

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 10:30:00 Z

The proposal to require day care workers in Calfiornia to get measles, whooping cough and flu immunizations has passed both legislative houses and is about to head to the governor.

Bill To Delay Retooling of Children's Services Program Goes to Brown

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 13:53:00 Z

The California Legislature has approved a bill that would delay until January 2017 the state's planned shift of some children with severe and rare diseases in the California Children's Services program to Medicaid managed care plans. The bill now heads to Gov. Brown. Kaiser Health News.

Report Links Poor School Attendance to Chronic Health Issues

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 14:41:00 Z

A new report finds that absenteeism among school-aged children in California and other states is linked to chronic health conditions, among other factors. For example, asthma -- which affects 15.4% of California kids -- accounts for about 14 million absences nationwide every school year. KPCC's "KPCC News," Attendance Works/Health Schools Campaign report.

One Step Forward, One Step Back in Medication Reform for Foster Children

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:00:00 Z

Prompted in part by a series of legislative hearings on the possible over-prescription of psychotropic medication for foster children, the state released new prescribing guidelines. At the same time, a reform bill lost its funding.

Committee OKs Vaccine Requirement for Day Care Workers; Floor Vote Next

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:00:00 Z

A bill requiring people working with children in day care centers to be immunized against influenza, whooping cough and measles was approved by the Assembly Committee on Appropriations yesterday.

Hispanic Children in Rural Areas Face Health-Related Challenges

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 14:08:00 Z

Hispanic children who live in rural areas of California and other states often face barriers to accessing health care and social programs, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. Rural children who live in farming areas also are at risk of certain environmental health risks. Stateline/Sacramento Bee.

Advocates Urge DHCS To Report More Data on Kids in Medi-Cal

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 13:44:00 Z

Advocates say that California should report on more of the voluntary child health quality indicators that CMS uses to evaluate states' Medicaid programs. California reported on just 13 of the 24 child health indicators this year. Advocates say tracking more data is key to reducing disparities and ensuring high quality of care for the state's 5.3 million child beneficiaries. HealthyCal.

Detained Calif. Youth Face More Mental Illness, Hospitalizations

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 13:47:00 Z

A new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health finds many children in California's juvenile justice system are hospitalized because they have not received care for mental health issues before or during their time at detention centers. The study's authors suggest justice and social services officials partner for earlier interventions. Reuters, JAH.

Hearing Targets Foster Kids' Medication

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 11:52:00 Z

Foster children are prescribed psychotropic medications at a higher rate than other kids, and lawmakers convened to find out what's being done about it.

California Has Most Potential To Improve Access to Pediatric Care

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 13:54:00 Z

A study presented at an American Statistical Association conference finds that pediatric care in California is among the most accessible for privately and publicly insured patients. Still, California has the highest potential to improve access to pediatric care for publicly insured children. Medical Daily's "The Hill," ASA release.

Telehealth Niche for Special-Needs Kids

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 10:00:00 Z

Better care for the 1.4 million children in California with special needs could come through telehealth, according to a new report.

State Issues Whooping Cough Warning

Tue, 04 Aug 2015 10:00:00 Z

Fewer than half the pregnant women in California are vaccinated against a disease that is potentially fatal to infants, according to a warning from the state Department of Public Health.

High Cost of Autism to California

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 10:00:00 Z

A new UC-Davis study added up lost productivity and other cost factors of autism and estimated the state will lose $40 billion this year due to the disorder.

Bill in Congress Affects Foster Kids Here

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 10:00:00 Z

When California former foster children move to another state, their health coverage could disappear unless a new proposal passes in Congress.

Future of Children's Program Up in Air

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 10:00:00 Z

Children's health advocates are wary of the state's plans to redesign the California Children's Services program with a managed care model.

Calif. Enrollment in Women, Infants and Children Program Varies

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 13:05:00 Z

A study by the Public Policy Institute of California finds that enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children varies widely, with 49.6% of children in Kern County enrolled in the program, compared with just 11% of children in Placer County. Meanwhile, Latinos make up the largest share of enrollees. Vallejo Times-Herald, Inland News Today.

Groups Unveil Ballot Measure To Expand Home Health Services

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 13:02:00 Z

A group of Southern California not-for-profits have proposed a ballot measure that would impose a surcharge on certain real estate in order to raise money for services for low-income state residents. For example, some of the money would be used to expand certain home health visits. Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert."

Californians With Disabilities Often Face Barriers to Health Care

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 14:19:00 Z

Californians with disabilities often face barriers to health care access. For example, California has moved millions of adults with disabilities into Medicaid managed care plans, which have low reimbursement rates and fewer providers. In addition, the California Children's Services program is set to end this year, and lawmakers are unsure about how or whether to extend it. HealthyCal.

Report: California Children's Health Improving After ACA Efforts

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 13:28:00 Z

A new report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation finds that California ranked 14th in the U.S. for children's health in 2013 -- up from 26th in 2008. However, California ranked lower for measures related to children's economic well-being, education and family and community. Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert" et al.

Report Highlights Importance of Calif.'s Social Safety Net for Children's Health

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 10:00:00 Z

More than half the children in California are enrolled in at least one nutrition assistance or public health insurance program, but participation varies significantly across the state, creating disparities, according to a report from the Public Policy Institute of California.

Children's Services May Get Extra Year Before Move to Managed Care Starts

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 10:00:00 Z

The California Senate Committee on Health approved a bill calling for a one-year delay in the plan to move Medi-Cal children with rare and complicated diseases into managed care plans.

Brown's Shift Ends Current Vaccine Debate

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 10:00:00 Z

Gov. Brown's subtle shift in position on vaccination exemptions puts an exclamation point on the end of a long and divisive chapter in the argument over immunizing California school children.

Vaccine Requirement Goes to Governor

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 10:00:00 Z

The full Legislature has passed a bill to eliminate the personal belief exemption for school children's immunizations. The legislation still faces one more hurdle: the governor.

Dental Managed Care Takes a New Tack

Thu, 25 Jun 2015 10:00:00 Z

A California insurer has shown strong results with a new financial model for paying dental providers combining managed care and fee for service.

Foundation Examines Oral Health Inequities in Central Valley

Thu, 25 Jun 2015 10:00:00 Z

A national oral health advocacy organization is working with Fresno State University's Central Valley Health Policy Institute to identify and prioritize dental needs in the region.

Getting Autism Therapy Benefit Doesn't Mean Getting Access to Care

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 10:00:00 Z

Almost a year after the state made autism therapy a Medi-Cal benefit, just 2% of California's autistic children in the Medi-Cal program are actually getting care.

Calif. Launches Audit of Mental Health Services for Students

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 13:35:00 Z

The California state auditor is investigating whether school districts are providing adequate mental health services to students with disabilities. The audit, which was called for by state Sen. Jim Beall, comes after a 2011 law shifted the responsibility for students' mental health services to school districts. CHCF Center for Health Reporting/Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert."

Kern County Report Card Shows Improvement in Children's Health Coverage, Vaccinations

Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:09:00 Z

Nine out of 10 children in Kern County had health insurance in 2013, according to the county's annual report card released on Wednesday. In addition, the report card shows that the percentage of fully vaccinated children starting kindergarten in Kern County exceeded the statewide rate of 90.4%. Bakersfield Californian, 23ABC News.

Medi-Cal Autism Care May Be Lacking

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 10:00:00 Z

Nearly a year after autism therapy officially became a Medi-Cal benefit, only 2% of Medi-Cal managed care children with autism are receiving one of the main treatments for the malady, according to state data.

2.5 Million Californians in Deep Poverty, Many of Them Children, Analysts Say

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:00:00 Z

An independent assessment shows women and children make up the largest share of Californians now living below half of the federal poverty level.

CMS To Require Background Checks for 'High Risk' Medicaid, CHIP Providers

Fri, 05 Jun 2015 17:43:00 Z

On Tuesday, CMS in a letter to state Medicaid directors said the states by March 2016 must submit a list ranking all of a state's Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program providers as having either a "limited, moderate or high risk" of potentially defrauding the programs. Those categorized as "high risk" will be subject to criminal background checks, which will include fingerprinting. Modern Healthcare.

Davis Moves To Offer Soda Alternatives

Thu, 28 May 2015 10:00:00 Z

Restaurants will be required to offer water or milk rather than soda in kids' meals, according to an ordinance passed in the city of Davis.

Senate Approves Vaccination Requirement for Day Care Workers

Tue, 26 May 2015 10:00:00 Z

The California Senate has approved a bill aimed at protecting preschool children by ensuring immunization among those who provide day care services.

Calif. Court Case Argues That 'Complex Trauma' Qualifies as Disability

Tue, 19 May 2015 13:56:00 Z

A lawsuit against the Compton Unified School District alleges that the school district has failed to provide appropriate mental health care and other services to students who have experienced "complex trauma." The lawsuit challenges whether such trauma qualifies as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now," AP/U-T San Diego.

Calif. Bills Targeting Foster System's Rx Use Could Cost $22M

Mon, 18 May 2015 13:40:00 Z

According to estimates, a legislative package aimed at reducing the amount of psychiatric medication prescribed to children in California's foster care system could cost the state more than $22 million annually. Some stakeholders say Gov. Brown's proposed fiscal year 2015-2016 budget indicates he could be open to signing the package. San Jose Mercury News.

Study: School Food Policies Paying Off

Mon, 04 May 2015 15:01:00 Z

California laws governing food and drink at public schools appear to be improving overweight and obesity problems, especially in affluent neighborhoods, according to a new study.

Many Epileptic Children Experience Seizures for Years Before Obtaining Needed Surgery, UCLA Study Finds

Fri, 01 May 2015 18:30:00 Z

Children with epilepsy often face barriers to surgery when medication no longer helps, according to a new UCLA study. Researchers found that many such children had seizures for more than five years before receiving needed surgery. Parents cited several barriers to obtaining the surgery, including insurance issues, confusion about the condition and trouble finding appropriate doctors. HealthyCal.

Advocates Concerned About Kids' Coverage in Calif. Exchange Plans

Fri, 01 May 2015 13:51:00 Z

Several advocacy groups have expressed concerns about whether children receive adequate care in a timely manner under Covered California health plans. Six California groups sent a letter to exchange officials requesting information on enrollees under age 18 and said they could use the findings to request specific pediatric benefit requirements for the 2017 coverage year. HealthyCal, Advocates' letter.

Children's Eye Exam Bill Advances

Fri, 01 May 2015 10:00:00 Z

A bill in the California Legislature calling for comprehensive eye exams for school age children got its second unanimous committee endorsement this week.

California Gets a 'C' in Dental Care

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 10:00:00 Z

A new study from Pew Charitable Trusts shows California is like a lot of other states -- not so great -- when it comes to making sure kids get dental sealants.

Vaccine Bill Gets Past Education Panel

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 10:00:00 Z

After getting a ruler slap on its knuckles the first time around, the bill to remove the personal exemption to childhood vaccination was passed by the Senate Education Committee.

Different Kind of Vaccine Bill Surfaces

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:00:00 Z

Legislation to improve vaccination rates among young children gets its first hearing today.

State Urged To Spend New CHIP Money Only on Children's Health Care

Thu, 16 Apr 2015 10:00:00 Z

Medicare legislation passed in Congress this week includes funding for the federal Children's Health Insurance Program that could send as much as $550 million to California this year. Children's advocates say it should go only to children's health care.

Rural School-Based Health Centers Increasing in Central Valley

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 10:00:00 Z

Partially in response to changes in the Affordable Care Act, Livingston High School will be the first school in Merced County to open an on-site community clinic.

Panel Votes To End Vaccine Exemption

Thu, 09 Apr 2015 10:00:00 Z

At a contentious and sometimes unruly hearing in the California Legislature yesterday, a bill proposing to eliminate an exemption for childhood immunizations had its first test -- and passed it.

Calif. Has Lowest Rate of Children Prescribed Drugs for ADHD

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 14:57:00 Z

A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics finds that California has the lowest percentage of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder who are prescribed medication to treat the condition. Washington Post's "To Your Health" et al.

Kids in Calif., Other States Improperly Prescribed Psychiatric Drugs

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:09:00 Z

A new HHS Office of Inspector General report finds "quality of care concerns" related to the prescribing of psychiatric medication to low-income children who are covered by Medicaid in five states, including California. San Jose Mercury News, HHS OIG report.

Frustration Boils at Denti-Cal Hearing

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 10:00:00 Z

Lack of required reporting and little progress in Denti-Cal's low utilization rates made for a tense and testy legislative hearing on dental coverage for five million California children yesterday in Sacramento.

Hearing Today on Denti-Cal Report

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 10:00:00 Z

A joint legislative hearing in Sacramento today will look at a state auditor's report sounding an alarm about low utilization rates and a dearth of participating dentists in the Denti-Cal program.

Single Mobile Dental Clinic Serves Thousands in Central Valley

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:00:00 Z

Demand for low-cost dental services is greater now than it was 20 years ago, according to Healthy Smiles Mobile Dental Foundation officials, who bring dental services to rural Central Valley communities that lack access.

Calif. Rule Has Curbed Psychiatric Rx Use for Low-Income Children

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:21:00 Z

Under a California Department of Health Care Services prior authorization rule, the number of psychiatric drugs prescribed to children covered by the state's Medicaid program has dropped. Specifically, the rate of prescription request rejections increased to 18% in January, up from 6% in October 2014, when the rule was implemented. Bay Area News Group/Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Bills Target Foster Program Drug Use

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 10:00:00 Z

Young people in foster care in California receive too much psychotropic medication, according to lawmakers who are proposing a package of legislation to address the issue.

Study: Children's Health Benefits Linked to Calif. Air Quality Gains

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 15:37:00 Z

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that children in Southern California experienced improvements in respiratory health when levels of nitrogen dioxide and fine particle matter in the air decreased. Researchers said the results suggest that the 1970 Clean Air Act seems to be working. Orange County Register et al.

New Vaccination Bill Calls for Daycare Workers To Be Immunized

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 11:00:00 Z

Adults who work with children under age five in California daycare centers should be up-to-date on their own vaccinations, according to a bill proposed yesterday in the state Legislature.

Many Foster Kids in Calif., Other States Miss Health Screenings

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 14:38:00 Z

A new report by the HHS Office of Inspector General finds that 29% of children enrolled in foster care programs in four states -- including California -- who were covered by Medicaid missed at least one required medical screening. Meanwhile, about 28% received at least one screening late. Kaiser Health News, HHS OIG report.

Analysis Finds More Cases of Psychiatric Drugs Given to Children

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:22:00 Z

A Los Angeles Times analysis finds that hundreds more children in the Los Angeles County foster care and juvenile delinquency systems have been given psychiatric drugs than previously reported. A preliminary review also finds that the extra cases did not receive mandated court approval. AP/Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times.

California Aims To Protect Kids From Effects of Trauma, Other Issues

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 15:59:00 Z

California Attorney General Kamala Harris has created the Bureau of Children's Justice to prevent childhood trauma and other issues that can affect the health of children in the state. In addition, the state Department of Justice has been selected as part of a national initiative to screen children for exposure to trauma. Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now," Office of the Attorney General release.

Children's Dental Advocates Circle Wagons After Budget Snub

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 11:00:00 Z

Dental and children's health advocates are taking their arguments to the Legislature after the governor included no new money for dental programs in his proposed budget. Funding for such programs was excluded from the budget despite a state audit last month criticizing California's dental program for kids.

California Auditor Calls Oversight of Parental Fees for Care of Children With Disabilities 'Woefully Inefficient'

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:01:00 Z

On Tuesday, California Auditor Elaine Howle released a report finding that the state Department of Developmental Services' oversight of parental fees for out-of-home care for children with disabilities is "woefully inefficient and inconsistent." As a result, hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of care are left unbilled and some parents with similar incomes are charged different amounts, according to the report. Sacramento Bee's "The Public Eye."

CMS Announces Pilot Program To Track Patient Satisfaction in CHIP Providers

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 19:42:00 Z

CMS in December 2014 announced that it will pilot a reporting process that uses a pediatric version of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey to track Children's Health Insurance Program participants' satisfaction in hospitals. In the notice, CMS said that it plans to pilot the pediatric HCAHPS survey in 2015 to assess whether to add the results in the core quality measures used by state Medicaid and CHIP programs. Modern Healthcare.

Audit: Denti-Cal Failing To Serve Half of Children in Program

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:46:00 Z

A new state audit finds that Denti-Cal has failed to provide adequate services to low-income children. The audit also criticizes California's Department of Health Care Services for inadequate oversight of the program that "put[s] child beneficiaries at higher risk of dental disease." San Francisco Chronicle et al.

How To Deal With Drug Problems in State's Foster Care Program

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 11:00:00 Z

We asked legislators, physicians, drug manufacturers, state officials and consumer advocates how best to deal with high rates of prescribing drugs to children in the state's foster care program.

California-Developed Online Tool Helps Pediatricians Evaluate Newborn Weight Loss

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:16:00 Z

A new online tool -- called the Newborn Weight Tool, or Newt -- aims to help pediatricians assess whether newborns that are exclusively breastfed have lost too much weight in the first days of life. The tool -- which was created using a sample of hourly birth weights from more than 100,000 breastfed newborns at Northern California Kaiser Permanente hospitals between 2009 and 2013 -- tracks a baby's weight percentile in the first few days after birth and compares it with the large sample of newborns. Cumberland Sentinel.

Drugmakers Paid $14M to Doctors Treating California Foster Children

Mon, 24 Nov 2014 15:32:00 Z

An investigation by the Los Angeles Daily News finds that physicians who treat children in California's foster care system received more than $14 million from drugmakers between 2010 and 2013. The findings come after a separate investigation found that psychiatric drugs are being overprescribed to foster children in the state. Los Angeles Daily News.

State Asking for Continued CHIP Funds

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 11:00:00 Z

California HHS Secretary Diana Dooley came out strongly in favor of continued federal funding of the Children's Health Insurance Program, but the funding has yet to be approved by Congress.

Autism Treatment Concerns Raised

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 11:00:00 Z

Two months after announcing the state would cover autism therapy for Medi-Cal beneficiaries, 105 children have received the service and the backlog for diagnostic evaluation may be as long as a year.

Report Highlights Calif. for Low Rate of Uninsured Hispanic Kids

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 14:53:00 Z

A new report by the National Council of La Raza and Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families finds that the uninsured rate among Hispanic children in California was 9.6%, compared with the national average of 11.5%. The number of uninsured Hispanic children in California dropped by 56,000 from 2011 to 2013. Public News Service et al.

Lawmaker Seeks Better Access to Medi-Cal Care for Former Foster Kids

Mon, 10 Nov 2014 11:00:00 Z

Young adults termed out of foster care at age 18 now are entitled to Medi-Cal coverage until age 26 but many of them aren't getting it, according to a California legislator.

Study: Adversity, Trauma Early in Life Increases Likelihood of Poor Health Later

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:00:00 Z

A report released this week in conjunction with a childhood trauma summit in San Francisco finds trauma and adversity early in life is linked to poor health later in life.

Scorecard Ranks Children's Health, Well-Being Across California

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:17:00 Z

A new scorecard released by Children Now finds that California counties vary significantly on indicators of childhood health and well-being. Among other things, the scorecard finds that children who have a usual source of health care ranged from 85% to 95%, with the state averaging 91%. Bakersfield Californian et al.

Study: Social Safety Net Vital for Health of California Children in Poverty

Thu, 30 Oct 2014 10:00:00 Z

A quarter of California children are living in poverty and another 26% live near the poverty line. The state's social safety-net programs -- such as CalFresh and CalWORKs -- are key to ensuring the health of those children, according to a new study.

Congress Likely To Address Children's Health Insurance Program, SGR After Recess

Thu, 23 Oct 2014 18:53:00 Z

Congress likely will address whether to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program and repeal and replace Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula when lawmakers return from recess following the November midterm elections. However, it is uncertain whether Congress can find funding to address both issues. MedPage Today's "The Gupta Guide."