05/22/2012
At a recent forum, veterans highlighted claims processing problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Oakland office. It takes the office an average of 320 days to process disability claims, and nearly 40% of disability claims were processed incorrectly, according to an audit. Los Angeles Times.
05/17/2012
In early 2013, California's skilled nursing facilities could face Medicare payment cuts totaling $75.9 million -- the largest amount of cuts among all states -- if Congress fails to overcome an ongoing budget stalemate, according to a recent study commissioned by the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care. Those cuts would come on top of a state proposal to rescind a recent payment hike to close California's $16 billion budget deficit. Payers & Providers.
05/15/2012
The Obama administration has announced a plan aimed at finding an effective way to treat and prevent Alzheimer's disease by 2025. Officials also launched a website offering information for families and caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.
05/01/2012
The Senate Appropriations Committee will consider a bill, by Sen. Elaine Alquist, that would establish a licensing category for a new nursing home model, known as the "Green House Project." The model focuses on creating smaller, home-like facilities with a maximum of 10 residents. The Senate Health Committee approved the measure last week. KPCC's "KPCC News."
04/17/2012
Nursing homes across the country are not adequately prepared to protect residents and provide continuing care during a natural disaster, according to a report from the HHS Office of the Inspector General. The report recommends that Medicare and Medicaid add specific emergency planning and training requirements to federal regulations on disaster preparedness for nursing homes. U-T San Diego.
04/17/2012
More than 50% of California's long-term caregivers who are paid by Medi-Cal to aid low-income seniors and residents with disabilities are living in poverty or close to living in poverty, according to a new report by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. Capitol Public Radio's "KXJZ News."
04/16/2012
Today, Congress returned from recess to a series of hearings aimed at addressing expiring health care policies. Lawmakers will examine an update to prescription drug and medical device user fees, medical malpractice legislation and other issues. The Hill's "Healthwatch."
04/11/2012
Gov. Brown's proposal to cut state spending on In-Home Supportive Services by $207 million would affect about 254,000 beneficiaries statewide and would result in a loss of $424 million in county and federal funding, for a total reduction of $631 million, according to a new California Budget Project report. Sacramento Business Journal.
04/04/2012
San Diego officials are working to address the frequent use of emergency services by a largely homeless population. According to experts, frequent emergency service users need access to better coordinated health care and more permanent housing options. U-T San Diego.
03/28/2012
Officials with the Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care System's Merced Outpatient Clinic are trying to encourage more veterans in Merced County to seek health care at the clinic. An estimated 12,000 veterans live in the county, but the clinic serves only about 2,800 veterans. Merced Sun-Star.
03/20/2012
In 2011, California's Friendship Line -- a 24-hour telephone hotline run by the Institute of Aging -- received about 18,000 phone calls and made 40,000 calls to assist seniors. Operators make calls to remind seniors to take their medications or offer support for those with mental health issues. The hotline, which also aims to reduce the rate of suicide among seniors, recently secured funding from the California Mental Health Services Authority to expand its presence in the state. HealthyCal.
03/20/2012
The Legislative Analyst's Office says cuts proposed by Gov. Brown for In-Home Supportive Services could face legal challenges and be difficult to implement. LAO is offering alternative cost-saving proposals. HealthyCal, Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert."
03/20/2012
According to a recent Alzheimer's Association report, more than 800,000 U.S. residents with dementia live alone, including about 72,000 in California. Experts say those numbers are expected to increase dramatically as the baby boom generation ages. Sacramento Bee.
03/13/2012
Nearly 12,000 caregivers could be affected by Gov. Brown's proposed budget, which would cut $2.9 million in state funds from caregiver resource centers. If the cuts are enacted, some of the centers might have to close or reduce services, according to caregiver advocates. HealthyCal.
03/12/2012
In an opinion piece, Jonathan Glidden -- a retired attorney who was an aide to former state Sens. Rebecca Morgan and Tom Campbell -- and Nicki Pecchenino -- a former campaign consultant and chief of staff to Santa Cruz County Supervisor Robley Levy -- criticize Gov. Brown's proposed cuts to In-Home Supportive Services. They write, "The proposed savings of $1 billion may soon appear to be a poor bargain," adding, "The taxpayers of California will merely put money back into one pocket and take even more out of another, and everyone will then be the worse off for the bargain." Santa Cruz Sentinel.