California Healthline: Childrens Health Coverage

Editorial: Vaccine Counseling Bill Merits 'Cautious Support'

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A San Jose Mercury News editorial argues that a bill that would require parents to talk to a licensed health professional before opting out of immunizations for their children "deserves cautious support." The editorial states, "Lawmakers are right to have reservations about any law forcing a parent to take action in regard to their child's health. But the public safety risks of unvaccinated children cannot be ignored." San Jose Mercury News.

Dental Managed Care Plan Limits Access for L.A. Children

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Only 23% of Los Angeles County children enrolled in a Medi-Cal managed care plan visited a dentist last year, compared with 31% in Sacramento and about half of all Medi-Cal children beneficiaries statewide. Advocates say dental managed care plans -- which pay clinics and dentists a monthly fee per child, regardless of whether the child visits a dentist -- ultimately limit children's access to pediatric dentists and other specialists. Sacramento Bee.

Blue Shield, ChildObesity180 Give Fitness Grants to Schools

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Blue Shield of California and ChildObesity180 have awarded $500,000 in grants to schools in the state and elsewhere to help curb childhood obesity rates. The funding will be used to boost school fitness programs, and nutrition and wellness lessons. Payers & Providers.

Bill on Vaccine Counseling for Parents Moves to Senate

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In the next few weeks, the California Senate Health Committee will begin debating a bill that would require parents to talk to a licensed health professional before opting out of immunizations for their children. The Assembly approved the bill on a party-line vote. KQED's "The California Report."

Kaiser Balks at Joining Healthy Families Conversion to Medi-Cal

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The planned switch of Healthy Families children into Medi-Cal could leave as many as 43,000 children looking for new health care providers if the state can't convince Kaiser Foundation Health Plan to join the effort.

That number would grow to 189,000 children if the state eventually converts all Healthy Families children to the Medi-Cal program.

On Tuesday, the Senate budget subcommittee for Health and Human Services rejected a plan to move the entire Healthy Families population of 875,000 kids to Medi-Cal all at once, instead starting with a pool of roughly 200,000 "bright line" children -- beneficiaries who are at or below 133% of federal poverty level.

Healthy Families Conversion Slowing Down

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California health officials need to go a little slower in their plan to move 875,000 children out of the Healthy Families program and into Medi-Cal managed care, according to a Senate budget subcommittee that voted yesterday to reject the state's full plan.

It did endorse the transition of about 200,000 Healthy Families "bright line" children to Medi-Cal -- those beneficiaries at or below 133% of federal poverty level. The Affordable Care Act requires that those children be moved to Medi-Cal by 2014, so California would get a head start on that effort, according to John Bacigalupi from the state Department of Finance.

"We support this because it would create efficiency by consolidating health care for the state's children under a single program," Bacigalupi said.

Editorial Urges 'No' Vote on Richmond Soda Tax Initiative

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A San Francisco Chronicle editorial argues that residents of Richmond should vote "no" on a November ballot measure to implement a 1-cent per ounce tax on sugar-sweetened drinks. The tax is intended to curb the city's high child obesity rate. According to the editorial, the ballot initiative "is not likely to cause many residents to stop drinking sodas" but instead "might cause them to buy in bulk in neighboring towns" or seek out "other goodies that contribute to obesity." San Francisco Chronicle.

Healthy Families, Seniors Initiatives Questioned

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In the governor's May budget revision released this week, in addition to $2.5 billion in new cuts to health care in California, there were a couple of proposals that raised big red flags for many health care advocates.

In particular, two budget items took a lot of heat: the effort to move about 1 million dual-eligible Californians into managed care programs; and the state's plan to move 870,000 children out of the Healthy Families program and into Medi-Cal care.

In both cases, advocates said the state is taking on way too much, too quickly -- putting the two most vulnerable populations in California at real risk.

California Issues Fewer Credentials for School Nurses, Report Finds

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report finds that the number of credentials issued for public school nurses decreased by 26.4% between the 2006-2007 and 2010-2011 school years. According to the report, the number of nurses employed in public schools declined by 13.3% during that time. California Watch.

Study: Privately Insured Kids Have More ED Procedures

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Children with private insurance coverage are more likely to undergo procedures in the emergency department than their uninsured or publicly insured peers, according to a study in the Journal of Pediatrics. Researchers say it remains unclear whether study findings indicate that EDs are withholding care for the uninsured and publicly insured children or overtreating children with private insurance coverage, who typically draw larger reimbursements. Kaiser Health News' "Capsules."

School-Based Clinics To Get $75M for Building Projects

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, HHS announced that it will provide $75 million in new grants for building and renovation projects for school-based health clinics. The funds are part of $200 million in grants allocated for the clinics under the federal health reform law. The Hill's "Healthwatch."

Assembly Casts Its Vote for Vaccinations

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Assembly yesterday approved a measure to require parents to meet with a licensed medical provider if they want to exempt their children from immunizations. After consultation, practitioners would sign an exemption form for parents.

Bill author Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) said AB 2109 makes sure parents make an informed decision about vaccinations.

"So they can make an informed decision about the impact this would have, not just on their own children but on the school and in the greater community," Pan said. "This is extremely important, to protect the public safety in our communities. Immunizations are one of the most important preventative measures, one of the most-effective measures we've had, to try to protect our communities from infectious diseases."

Coalition Supports Alternative to Brown’s Plan on Kids’ Health Care

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A coalition supports an alternate plan to Gov. Brown's proposal to shift nearly one million children from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal. The new plan would move about 200,000 kids who already were expected to shift to Medi-Cal under a federal reform law provision. HealthyCal.

California Sees Increase in Parents Seeking Exemptions From Vaccination Requirements

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Oakland pediatrician Bruce Horwitz, Barbara Loe Fisher of the National Vaccine Information Center, John Talarico of the state Department of Public Health and a parent who plans to apply for a personal belief exemption spoke with California Healthline about the growing trend of parents seeking vaccine exemptions.

House Panel OKs Budget Plan That Includes Cuts to Health Care Spending

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The House Budget Committee has approved a budget plan that would cut funding from Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and other health initiatives. The full House likely will pass the bill, but the Senate is expected to reject it. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.

Newborn Test Takes Baby Step Forward

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A bill to require hospitals to screen all newborns for congenital heart conditions recently was presented to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations -- where it was expected to get a rough reception. Instead, AB 1731 (Marty Block, D-San Diego) was moved to the suspense file, where it will await next month's budget discussions.

"The test … only costs $3 per baby," Block said at last week's hearing. "If undetected, congenital heart disease can require subsequent emergency room visits, and additional medical costs are much higher than the treatment cost if the baby's condition had been caught earlier."

Block was addressing fiscal concerns first raised in the Assembly Committee on Health. In addition to California hospitals' cost of administering the screening test to newborns, the Assembly analysis estimates additional cost to the Department of Health Care Services to launch and run the program -- up to $1 million annually, as well as start-up costs of $300,000.

Subcommittee Approves Change for Sacramento County Dental Program

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Recent controversy over dental services in Sacramento County came to a head at an Assembly budget subcommittee hearing yesterday. The root of the problem is the county's children's dental care program, organized as a managed care pilot project that has been plagued with access problems over its 18-year history.

In fiscal year 2010-11, about 31% of the children eligible for dental care in Sacramento County actually saw a dentist (compared to a statewide average of about 50%). It is the only county in the state with a mandatory managed care dental program, which pays a per-person, capitated rate, whether beneficiaries receive dental care or not.

State legislators are considering changing that system to allow a voluntary option for beneficiaries to switch to fee-for-service. State health care officials are asking to keep the current system, with some major reforms to boost those low utilization rates.

Advocates Hope ACA Will Knit Children's Patchwork

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hoping the Affordable Care Act will knit together a patchwork of protections, advocates for children's health coverage await the Supreme Court's ruling with an uncomfortable mixture of worry and optimism.

Study: Tobacco Ads Target Low-Income, Black Youth

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Marketing for menthol cigarettes in California is higher at retailers near high schools with more low-income, black students, according to a study by the Stanford Prevention Research Center. Lisa Henriksen of the Stanford Prevention Research Center -- which recently presented the research at a legislative briefing in Sacramento -- said, "There is a systematic targeting (of disadvantaged communities) in the tobacco industry, which is an extraordinary public health problem." California Watch.

Assembly Committee Approves Newborn Screening

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

There is a relatively easy answer to a serious disease that hits newborns in California, according to Assembly member Marty Block (D-San Diego).

"This bill is designed to ensure that newborns are screened for critical congenital heart disease," Block said, presenting his bill, AB 1731, to the Assembly Committee on Health.

"It is known as CCHD, it causes severe and life-threatening illness, and affects secen to nine of every 1,000 live births in the U.S. This will bring California's newborn screening program into alignment with the most up-to-date public health standards and practices," Block said.

Senate Committee Clears Legislation for Newborn Disease Testing

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Senate Health Committee has approved a bill that would require screening of newborns for two lysosomal storage diseases. Some health experts are concerned by the bill, saying not enough is known about the diseases and their treatments. Ventura County Star.

Immunization Procedure Passes Committee

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Richard Pan is a pediatrician as well as an Assembly member, so the bills he authors on children's health care carry a little more weight with his fellow legislators.

But Pan (D-Sacramento) had his hands full yesterday in the Assembly Committee on Health, as he introduced AB 2109, a bill that would require licensed providers to educate parents about the risks of skipping immunizations -- for their children as well as others in the community. The bill would require providers to sign an exemption form specifying that parents had been educated about the risks but still chose against vaccinations.

"We want to make sure parents or guardians have an opportunity to talk to a licensed health care professional," Pan said. "And the reason for that is, that decision doesn't just impact that child. It impacts the larger community."

Funding Ending for Model Oral Health Plan for L.A. Kids

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Funding expires this summer for a low-income children's dental program in Los Angeles that has become a model for preventive oral health care. The program takes aim at the most common chronic pediatric disease -- tooth decay -- that affects overall health.

'It Can Be Costly to Treat CCS Kids'

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Assembly member Cathleen Galgiani (D-Tracy) is well aware of the budget crisis in California. But she's also aware of another crisis in children's hospitals, she said.

"It can be costly to treat CCS (California Children's Services) kids," Galgiani said. "The Department was considering reimbursing hospitals at their negotiated California Medical Assistance Commission or otherwise known as CMAC rate. This bill would clarify [that] reimbursement."

The CMAC rate is a hospital rate of reimbursement negotiated by the California Medical Assistance Commission. The state Department of Health Care Services would like to switch to that rate. Galgiani's AB 1728 instead would maintain the current reimbursement rate, which is a hospital’s interim rate. The CMAC rate would go into effect unless this bill is passed.

Dispute Could Affect Emergency Medical Flights for Children

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A business dispute between two aviation companies could slow emergency helicopter flights to Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The dispute also could affect transportation of physicians and donated organs to various health care facilities throughout Southern California. Los Angeles Times.

Education Officials Worry About Child Care Cuts in Brown's Budget

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Education officials say proposed cuts to child care services in Gov. Brown's budget plan threaten a Pajaro Valley program that provides care to more than 550 children. Brown's budget also would shift oversight of the program from the state to the county. Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Field Poll: Eating Habits, Inactivity Cited as Top Children's Health Risks

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Field Poll finds that 48% of likely state voters say the top health risks to children are unhealthy diets and a lack of exercise. The poll also finds that 73% of voters believe it is communities' responsibility to address childhood obesity. Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle.

Oakland School District Eyes Universal Health Access

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

By the end of the year, the Oakland Unified School District could become the first major urban U.S. school district to provide universal access to primary health care to all students. Since 2010, nine new school-based health care centers have opened or are scheduled to open this year, for a total of 26 centers in the district. The $18 million initiative is funded primarily by the city of Oakland, Alameda County and Kaiser Permanente. HealthyCal.

One in 88 U.S. Children Has Autism or Related Condition, CDC Finds

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new CDC study finds that about one in 88 U.S. children has been diagnosed with autism or a related disorder by age eight. Health officials say autism diagnoses have been on the rise in recent years, partly because of improved awareness about the condition. New York Times et al.

California Working To Address Drop in Child Vaccination

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The percentage of fully vaccinated kindergarteners in California has decreased from 92.9% in 2004 to 90.7% in 2010. In response to a growing number of state residents exempting their children from required immunizations, public health departments are launching campaigns promoting vaccinations and lawmakers are taking steps to make it more difficult to receive exemptions. HealthyCal.

Bill Seeks To Provide Nutritious Meals for Charter School Students

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

New legislation would extend to charter schools a mandate requiring public schools to provide low-income students with nutritious meals each school day at no cost or at a reduced price. However, charter school officials say they might not have the resources to comply with the bill. California Watch.

Pediatric Centers Must Pay Retroactively

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

If you were running a business on a shoestring budget, how hard would it be to pay off a lump sum payment equal to 10% of costs for the past 10 months?

That's the question Terry Racciato would like to ask officials at the Department of Health Care Services.

Racciato, president of two Together We Grow pediatric day health centers in San Diego, is facing the prospect of paying the state $200,000 or more for what she considers to be a state administrative mistake.

Senate Panel Clears Bill Tweaking Sacramento County's Dental Plan

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A state Senate panel has approved a bill -- by Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg -- that would give Sacramento County children enrolled in Medi-Cal a choice between the current managed care dental program and a fee-for-service model. Sacramento Bee.

Legislative Hearing Looks at Transition Plans

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During a Senate subcommittee review of a number of state health care proposals yesterday, one theme seemed to stand out: People are unhappy with them.

The budget subcommittee on Health and Human Services heard proposals by the Department of Health Care Services to cut health plan rate reimbursement for Healthy Families' children by 25%. In addition, DHCS intends to move 900,000 children from that program into Medi-Cal managed care. The committee also heard from a long parade of people who opposed those proposals.

After all the testimony and acrimony, subcommittee chair Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) didn't quite know what to say.

California Will Not Appeal Ruling Against First 5 Funding Shift

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The state will not appeal a 2011 court ruling that rejected lawmakers' plan to shift $1 billion away from First 5 commissions. The commissions are seeking reimbursement for an estimated $586,000 in legal fees. California Watch.

Aid for Pregnant Women Pushes Through Committee

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Holly Mitchell, for the first time in recent memory, was speechless.

Assembly member Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), who is known for being voluble and quick-tongued, yesterday had a bill before the Assembly Committee on Human Services.

AB 1640 is designed to allow low-income pregnant women to use TANF money (federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) without proving that they're in their third trimester of pregnancy.

Report Finds Uptick in Costs, Enrollment for Medicaid, CHIP

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program enrolled about 78 million residents and cost about $444 billion in fiscal year 2011, up from 76 million enrollees and $400 billion in costs in FY 2010, according to a report by the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission. In the report, MACPAC also outlined recommendations to boost care quality, lower costs and improve fraud detection. Modern Healthcare.

Calif. Families Expect State To Investigate Gold Coast Coverage Denials

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California families are expecting the state to investigate Gold Coast Health Plan's denials of coverage for home care services. The health plan said the denials were for treatments that are not considered medically necessary. Ventura County Star.

Pediatric Centers Argue Retroactive Payments Don't Make Sense

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California's 14 pediatric day health centers are a form of home health agency serving a 21-and-under population. Those are two groups exempted from the state's 10% Medi-Cal provider rate reductions in June.

PDHC operators assumed they were exempt from that rate reduction. That notion was reinforced by the absence of PDHCs on the list of providers in the state plan amendment (SPA) that the state sent to CMS for approval of the rate decrease.

Officials at the Department of Health Care Services, when alerted about the discrepancy, recently decided that, yes, PDHCs should be exempt from that rate decrease. This was great news for the PDHCs, which operate on a tight and limited budget -- except for one thing.

Steinberg To Unveil Bill To Tweak Sacramento County's Dental Program

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An aide said Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg plans to introduce a bill next week that would add a fee-for-service model option to Sacramento County's dental care program for low-income children and boost consumer protections. Sacramento Bee.

Public Officials Increase Scrutiny of Sacramento County's Dental Program

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Public officials are reviewing and considering alternatives for Sacramento County's dental program for low-income children covered under Medi-Cal. The program has been scrutinized for long wait times and low rates of care among beneficiaries. Sacramento Bee.

Study Links Health-e-App to Spike in Healthy Families Enrollment

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study credits Health-e-App, an online application tool, with boosting enrollment in California's Healthy Families program. Use of the online tool was associated with a 14% increase in total Healthy Families applications from 2010 to 2011. Sacramento Business Journal.

Study Finds No Link Between Kids' Food Environment, Diet

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new RAND Corporation study did not find a connection between childhood obesity rates and how close children lived to fast food restaurants and grocery stores. For the study -- published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine -- researchers examined 13,000 California children. KPCC's "KPCC News," KQED's "State of Health."

Reform Law Provides Funding Boost to School-Based Health Centers

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The federal health reform law allocated $200 million for school health centers nationwide. A Los Angeles clinic system will use a $500,000 grant to open three school health centers by the end of the year. NPR's "Shots."

Health District OKs $4.5M for San Mateo County Programs

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, the Peninsula Health Care District Board of Directors announced it recently approved $4.5 million in funding to support two San Mateo County programs. The board awarded $4 million over three years for the Healthy Schools Initiative, which funds nursing positions, physical education classes and school-based health clinics. It also approved a four-year, $500,000 grant to fund a full-time psychiatric resident physician in the county's Behavioral Health Program. San Francisco Business Times.

Obese Children More Likely To Develop Asthma, Study Finds

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent Kaiser Permanente study finds that children in Southern California were 18% more likely to develop asthma if they were overweight or obese. For the study -- which was published in the medical journal Obesity -- researchers examined the electronic health records of 681,000 children covered by Kaiser between the ages of 6 and 19. Payers & Providers.

Editorial Supports Steinberg's Efforts To Fix Dental Program

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg "is insisting justifiably" that state health care officials act immediately to improve Sacramento County's dental care plan for low-income children, according to a Sacramento Bee editorial. It argues, "Poor kids in Sacramento should not have to put up with abysmal service, and taxpayers ought not to pay for something that is not being delivered." Sacramento Bee.

Budget Subcommittee Rejects Brown's Proposed Welfare Cuts

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Democrats on an Assembly budget subcommittee voted to reject Gov. Brown's proposed cuts to the CalWORKs program. The vote marked the first significant legislative action against Brown's budget plan. Los Angeles Times' "PolitiCal" et al.

Steinberg Wants Quick Fix for Dental Plan in Sacramento County

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg is calling for immediate improvements to a Sacramento County dental care plan for low-income children. He also said the program should offer a choice between managed care and fee-for-service plans. Sacramento Bee.

Exemption Granted for Pediatric Day Health

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

For months, Terry Racciato has been trying to get the state to reverse its imposition of a 10% Medi-Cal provider rate cut on the 14 pediatric day health care centers in California.

Racciato, who runs two PDHC centers in the San Diego area, has been arguing with the Department of Health Care Services that pediatric day health care services should be exempted from that 10% rate cut, as home health agencies were.

On Friday, the state agreed.

DHCS Chief Promises Changes to Children's Dental Program

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a letter to Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, Department of Health Care Services Director Toby Douglas promised to help ensure that low-income Sacramento County children with Medi-Cal coverage have access to "high quality and timely" dental care. Douglas was responding to a letter from Steinberg calling for a review of the county's dental program. Sacramento Bee.

Bill Would Ban Sugary Sports Drinks at Middle, High Schools

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California Assembly member Das Williams has introduced a bill that would prohibit the sale of sugary sports drinks -- also known as "electrolyte replacement beverages" -- in middle and high schools during regular hours of operation. The California Medical Association is co-sponsoring the bill. The drinks already are banned at elementary schools. Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert."

Steinberg Seeks Review of Sacramento County Dental Plan for Children

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg is calling for a state review of Sacramento County's dental program for children enrolled in Medi-Cal. Steinberg says the program's prevention and treatment services are "woefully inadequate." Sacramento Bee.

Infant Withdrawal Syndrome Up 200% Over Last Decade

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The number of infants in the greater Sacramento region born with neonatal withdrawal syndrome doubled between 2000 and 2010, according to a recent Sacramento Bee analysis of data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. Medical experts say the jump likely is tied to an increase in mothers misusing prescription pain medications. Sacramento Bee.

O.C. Group Awards $45M for Childhood Health Programs

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, the Children and Families Commission of Orange County awarded $45 million for a range of early childhood health and education programs, such as dental care and autism and immunization services. The funds are generated from a 50-cent cigarette tax that voters approved in 1998. Orange County Register's "Healthy Living."

Same Providers in Healthy Families and Medi-Cal?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday's distribution of a summary of new Healthy Families data by the state Department of Health Care Services caused some advocates to scratch their heads.

The state wants to move 875,000 children out of Healthy Families and into Medi-Cal in the next 16 months. It's an idea that has been floated before, and has been vigorously opposed by providers, who would rather have the higher reimbursement of Healthy Families. California's Medi-Cal reimbursement rates are among the lowest Medicaid rates in the nation.

The new data indicate most providers and health plans in the Healthy Families program also serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Douglas: Healthy Families Similar to Medi-Cal

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

State Department of Health Care Services Director Toby Douglas explained the reasoning behind the state's plans for the Healthy Families program during the Insure the Uninsured Project's 16th annual statewide conference in Sacramento yesterday.

Acknowledging that the proposal to shift 875,000 children out of Healthy Families and into Medi-Cal on a relatively fast timeline is a little controversial, Douglas said it's part of a bigger plan.

"It's all about delivery system reform," Douglas said. "It's about moving toward organized delivery systems."

Sacramento Dentists Provide No-Cost Kids Dental Care

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, the Sacramento District Dental Society held its annual Smile for Kids event to provide no-cost dental care to uninsured children in five area counties. SDDS Executive Director Cathy Levering said the event is designed to help children whose parents are uninsured but who cannot qualify for public dental programs because of income requirements. Sacramento Bee.

Richmond Weighs Soda Tax To Combat Child Obesity

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Richmond City Council is considering a pair of ballot measures that seek to curb the city's high child obesity rate. The first measure would set a one-cent per ounce tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, and the second measure would allocate the tax revenue toward public health initiatives. HealthyCal.

Bill To Boost Coach Training To Spot Student Concussions

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last month, California Assembly member Mary Hayashi introduced a bill that would require high school coaches to receive additional sports medicine training for identifying concussions. A new law that requires a physician's approval before high school athletes can resume play following a head injury does not apply to club competitions. As a result, observers say the measure could leave coaches responsible for recognizing concussion symptoms. Contra Costa Times.

New Report Offers Healthy Families Alternatives

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The state wants to shift 875,000 children in the Healthy Families program into Medi-Cal over a nine-month period, beginning in October. The state estimates the move will save $156 million over the next two fiscal years.

But according to a soon-to-be-released study, that plan could limit access to care for California's children, and the state might be better served to move more slowly.

A report commissioned by the Urban Institute looked at four possible directions for the Healthy Families program. Report author Stan Dorn said the move to Medi-Cal has some definite advantages for California children -- particularly for those at or below 133% of the federal poverty level. Those children will make that transition in 2014 anyway, as required by the Affordable Care Act.

Blue Shield, CDI Reach Settlement on Coverage of Autism Therapy

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Blue Shield of California has reached a settlement with the California Department of Insurance to cover behavioral therapy as a treatment for autism under the state's Mental Health Parity Law. Los Angeles Times, AP/San Jose Mercury News.

State Gets Resistance to Moving All Healthy Families' Kids

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A coalition of not-for-profit children's groups yesterday sent a letter to California officials asking them to scale back the state's ambitious plan to move 875,000 children out of the Healthy Families program and into a new Medi-Cal managed care program.

"We do not support the governor's proposal," Suzie Shupe of California Coverage and Health Initiatives said. "We have some very serious concerns about it. It’s a very rapid timeline, for one, and in our view does not detail the kind of safeguards that need to be in place, and the monitoring of access to that care, to make sure kids do get access to quality health care."

Yesterday's letter was a joint effort from Children Now, The Children's Partnership, PICO California, the Children's Defense Fund California and United Ways of California, as well as CCHI. It calls for a scaled-back version of the governor's proposal.

Study Looks for Symptoms of Trauma in S.F. Schools

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Seven San Francisco middle schools are participating in a federal survey funded by the U.S. Department of Education that examines mental, physical and emotional symptoms from stressful events in the lives of students. Early results from the four-year, $3.4 million study show that about five or six children in every classroom have the symptoms, which can increase their risk for post-traumatic stress disorder or other trauma-related issues. San Francisco Chronicle.

Obama Administration Issues Final School Lunch Standards

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, first lady Michelle Obama and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled final nutrition guidelines for government-subsidized school meals. The new standards -- which were mandated under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 -- will require lunches to include more fruits and vegetables, and less salt and fat. Schools will begin to implement the new standards in September at an estimated cost of $3.2 billion over five years. New York Times et al.

State Has No Whooping Cough Deaths for First Time in 20 Years

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

For the first year since 1991, the California Department of Public Health recorded no whooping cough deaths in the state last year. Officials credited the drop in deaths to greater awareness and wider availability of vaccinations. Los Angeles Times et al.

Psychiatric Group To Revise Autism Diagnostic Criteria

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A panel convened by the American Psychiatric Association is proposing changes to the definition of autism for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. About 25% of individuals diagnosed with autism under the previous guidelines would no longer fit the new criteria. As a result, many individuals who rely on government programs could lose those benefits because some of those services depend on an official diagnosis. New York Times.

New Health Plan Offers Coverage of Brain Injury Care for Student Athletes

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Wells Fargo's Student Insurance Division is offering insurance that aims to better manage brain injuries for student athletes in California. The level of diagnosis and treatment offered in the plan traditionally has been available only for professional athletes. Sacramento Bee.

Bill Would Explore New Tier of Dental Provider for California

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, the California Senate is considering a bill that would create a statewide office of oral health and launch a research project aimed at creating a new tier of dental professionals who could provide care for nearly one million underserved children in California.

Enrollment in Medicaid, CHIP Remained Stable in 2011, Report Finds

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured and Georgetown University researchers finds that the number of residents covered under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program remained relatively steady last year. National Journal, Modern Healthcare.

Cuts, Policy Changes at Healthy Families Program

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The most recent state budget proposal includes a variety of cost-saving measures in the Healthy Families program -- reduced reimbursement rates, higher premium prices, higher copays and a transition of its 877,859 children into managed care plans by the end of June 2013.

At yesterday's monthly meeting of the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, chief deputy director Terresa Krum broached the bad news.

"There are a number of significant budget assumptions," Krum said. "So first, the budget proposes to reduce the per-member, per-month rates paid to health plans in Healthy Families to the average Medi-Cal rate."

UCLA, Health Net Expanding Teen Health Literacy Program

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

UCLA's School of Public Health and Health Net have announced plans for a nationwide expansion of the health literacy social media program teen2extreme, or T2X. The initiative, which launched with the help of a $1.1 million NIH grant, aims to help adolescents better understand their health care access options. The T2X website allows teens to sign up for mobile phone text alerts and chat online with health care experts and nurses. Payers & Providers.

Controller: State Revenues Still Lagging Behind Budget Estimates

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

State Controller John Chiang reports that California's December revenues fell $1.4 billion below budget estimates and that legislative action might be needed to ensure the state can meet payment obligations. Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert" et al.

Study: About 7M Calif. Residents Lacked Health Insurance in 2010

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study from the California HealthCare Foundation finds that about seven million Californians younger than age 65 lacked health insurance in 2010, including one million children. No other state had as many uninsured residents. Ventura County Star.

Medical Home Model Could Curb Kids' Trips to Doctor's Office, ED

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new study published in Pediatrics finds that children who received coordinated care through a medical home had fewer visits to a physician office or emergency department for injury or illness, and were more likely to practice healthy behaviors than other children. Reuters.

Advocates, Business Groups Raising Concerns About State's New Autism Coverage Mandate

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Nicole Evans of the California Association of Health Plans, Henry Loubet of the insurance brokerage firm Keenan and Lorri Unumb of Autism Speaks spoke with California Healthline about the benefits and shortcomings of a new state law requiring private insurers to cover certain autism therapies.

Richmond City To Vote on Sweetened Drink Tax Measure

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, the Richmond City Council approved a November 2012 city ballot measure that would impose a penny-per-ounce sales tax on sweetened drinks, including soda and fruit beverages that contain less than 10% juice. Proponents of the measure say it would help address the obesity rate in the city, particularly among children, by generating funds for anti-obesity programs. Opponents argue that moderate consumption of sweetened beverages can be part of a healthy diet. Contra Costa Times, KQED's "State of Health."

Study: Fast-Food Toy Ban Did Not Lead to Healthier Food Options

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Stanford University study concludes that a Santa Clara County ordinance banning fast-food restaurants from giving out toys with meals that did not meet nutritional rules helped reduce marketing of the meals but did not increase healthful food options. Time's "Healthland" et al.

Four Calif. School Clinics Nab $1.6M in Funding From HHS

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, HHS announced that it has awarded $1.6 million to four school-based health clinics in California to expand and modernize their facilities in an effort to treat more children. In total, HHS awarded $14 million to 45 school-based health clinics in 29 states. Officials say the grants will help the clinics provide health care services to 53,000 additional children. The California clinics that received funding are the Asian Pacific Health Care Venture in Los Angeles, Valley Community Clinic in North Hollywood, Centro De Salud De La Comunidad in San Ysidro and the Oakland Unified School District. The Hill's "Healthwatch," Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now."

California Settles Lawsuit on Children's Mental Health Care

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A judge has finalized a settlement requiring the state to provide foster children and at-risk children with mental health care services through Medi-Cal. Advocates had said the state failed to provide the care the children needed. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune.

California Children's Hospitals Offer Few Healthy Food Choices

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A report finds that only 7% of entrees in snack bars and cafeterias of California children's hospitals are considered healthy. Researchers say some hospitals in the study already have taken steps to improve healthy food options. Kaiser Health News' "Capsules" et al.

McDonald's Circumvents S.F. Food Ordinance With Toy Fee

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Dec. 1, a new San Francisco law takes effect that prevents fast-food establishments from including toys in meals that do not meet nutritional requirements. To comply with the law, McDonald's restaurants in the city will charge a 10-cent fee if customers wish to receive a toy in Happy Meal purchases. Proceeds from the toy sales will go toward building a Ronald McDonald House to house families with children at the UC-San Francisco Hospital that is under construction in Mission Bay. San Francisco Chronicle, CNN.

Coalition Says California Should Spend More on Anti-Smoking Programs

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has released a report criticizing California for how much it spends on anti-smoking programs. The state spends 15.8% of what CDC recommends for such initiatives. Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert," Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids release.

About One-Third of Students Fail Physical Fitness Test

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Nearly one-third of California students in grades five, seven and nine did not meet state physical fitness guidelines, placing them at higher risk for health problems, according to results of the state's physical fitness test that was conducted in the spring. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson has launched the "Team California for Healthy Kids" campaign to encourage fitness and healthy eating. Contra Costa Times et al.

Number of Uninsured Kids Dropped in Recent Years, Report Finds

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A report finds that the number of uninsured U.S. children dropped from 6.9 million in 2008 to 5.9 million in 2010, in part because many states expanded or simplified enrollment procedures for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.

Advocates Seek More Outreach for Ventura County Medi-Cal Plan

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Community advocates say many Ventura County residents eligible for the county's new Medi-Cal managed care plan do not know how to enroll. Meanwhile, some officials say outreach campaigns already have helped educate residents. Ventura County Star.

Number of School Health Clinics in State Rises; Funding Issues Persist

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The number of on-campus health centers in California schools has increased in recent years, but funding the clinics continues to be a challenge. The health clinics offer services that include immunizations and physical examinations at no or low cost. Los Angeles Times.

Judge: State Cannot Funnel $1B Away From First 5 Commissions

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Fresno County judge has ruled that the state cannot shift $1 billion from First 5 commissions without seeking voter approval. Lawmakers earlier this year had sought to move First 5 funds to help pay for children's health care services. Fresno Bee et al.

Making Maternity Rules Count

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Three new maternity coverage laws were passed this year in California, but that doesn't necessarily mean the people who need that coverage will get it, according to experts who gathered at a recent meeting in the Capitol Building.

"Just passing a new law we found isn't enough," according to Jenya Cassidy of the California Work and Family Coalition, which co-sponsored the event. "It's also really important that you need to empower people to use the rights they have."

According to Cassidy, many women of reproductive age who qualify for services and protections under California law aren't aware of them.

CDC: Birth Rates Still Falling, Particularly Among Teens

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

According to a report released on Thursday by the National Center for Health Statistics at CDC, the U.S. birth rate declined for the third consecutive year in 2010 and was marked by an especially steep decrease among teenagers. The largest decline was among teens ages 15 to 19, whose birth rate reached the lowest level since the government began tracking the data 70 years ago. The report also found that the preterm birth rate declined to about 12% in 2010 -- a 6% decline from 2006 -- which experts attribute in part to efforts by medical groups to discourage medically unnecessary labor inductions before 39 weeks of gestation. AP/Contra Costa Times et al.

Panel: Kids Should Receive Cholesterol Tests by Age 11

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A panel appointed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute is recommending that children be screened for high cholesterol between ages nine and 11 and again between ages 17 and 21 in an effort to address cardiovascular disease. The panel also recommends screening for diabetes every two years beginning at age nine for children who are overweight or obese or have other risks for diabetes, such as family history. The American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed the guidelines. AP/Miami Herald et al.

California's Child Obesity and Overweight Rate Down by 1%

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report finds that the rate of overweight and obese children statewide fell by about 1% between 2005 and 2010. However, the rate of children who are overweight and obese continues to climb in many counties. Visalia Times-Standard et al.

Some States Offer CHIP for Kids of Low-Income Workers

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The children of low-income state employees in at least five states can enroll in the Children's Health Insurance Program under a policy change in the federal health reform law. CMS has approved the policy change for Alabama, Kentucky, Montana, Pennsylvania and Texas, while Georgia is awaiting federal approval. The federal government previously blocked the option because of concerns that it would spur some states to shift their employees' health benefits to the government. Under the policy change, states seeking federal approval to open CHIP enrollment to their employees must prove that they have not reduced their share of employees' health insurance costs and that the cost of private insurance poses financial difficulties for the families. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.

Opinion: Autism Treatment Coverage Law 'Inequitable'

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new law requiring insurers to cover an autism treatment called applied behavioral analysis is "inequitable, as it exempts large numbers of Californians from coverage," Henry Loubet -- chief strategy officer for Keenan & Associates and a Payers & Providers editorial board member -- writes in a Payers & Providers opinion piece. According to Loubet, the law "exempts from coverage plans provided to the approximately 1.3 [million] enrollees in the enormous California Public Employees Retirement System" because it "imposes an additional annual cost of about $850 million on private health plans [but] allows CalPERS to simply ignore the issue entirely." Loubet concludes, "I strongly urge the Legislature to revisit this imbalance in SB 946 and correct a law that not only impacts private industry but also the families and children of public employees." Payers & Providers.

Editorial Praises HPV Vaccine Advice for Boys, Young Men

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Los Angeles Times editorial states that while a CDC advisory panel's recent recommendation that boys and young men receive the human papillomavirus vaccine was "the right recommendation," the "reasons for broadening the vaccine's use are much bigger." For several years, CDC has recommended that girls and young women receive the vaccine, which protects against strains of HPV that can cause genital warts and several types of cancer, including cervical cancer. "Just as contraception and family planning should be seen as societal health issues rather than solely 'women's issues,' so should the medical battle against [cervical] cancer," the editorial adds, noting that the "most effective way to provide protection is with the widest possible use of vaccination." Los Angeles Times.

Report: Calif. Earns 'B' Grade as Premature Birth Rate Declines

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A March of Dimes report card finds that the rate of premature births in California fell to 10.3% in 2009, down from 10.9% in 2007. The report card gave California a "B" grade, while the U.S. received a "C" grade overall. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal.

L.A. County Supervisors Seek Greater Oversight of First 5

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors signaled its plan to shift oversight of First 5 LA, which administers funds for early childhood health and education programs. The board voted 4-1 to ask the county counsel to develop an ordinance that would transform First 5 from a separate legal entity to a county agency. Board members noted that a recent audit of First 5 identified several problems with the agency's monitoring of its finances. Los Angeles Times' "L.A. Now."

CDC Panel Recommends That Boys, Young Men Receive HPV Vaccine

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at CDC voted to recommend that boys and young men receive routine vaccination against the human papillomavirus. Although CDC is not required to follow the panel's guidance, it typically does so. New York Times et al.

Calif. Launches Campaign To Encourage Healthier Schools

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson launched the statewide Team California for Healthy Kids campaign to promote healthy eating and physical activity in schools and communities. The campaign aims to improve children's access to fresh food and water and physical activities. Officials noted that one in three California children is obese or overweight, which can raise the risk for developing chronic diseases and lead to absenteeism and poor performance in school. Ventura County Star.

Getting Covered Kids To See the Dentist

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Dental coverage for children is offered as part of the Healthy Families program, but not all kids who can see the dentist actually go.

Healthy Families, hoping to change that, just received a $100,000 grant to help start a utilization program. The grant was awarded by the DentaQuest Foundation as part of its Oral Health 2014 Initiative, a nationwide effort to reverse oral health disparities in the U.S.

"Our strategy is to create a multi-stakeholder, dental-medical collaboration designed to transform oral health care delivery to more than half a million low-income children in California -- with the potential to reach upwards of 900,000 across the state," according to Ellen Badley, the new deputy director of benefits, quality and monitoring at Healthy Families.