In Brief: California Spends Least In The Nation On Diabetes Prevention; Kent Named New DHCS Director
California Spends Least In The Nation On Diabetes Prevention
Despite that fact that at least 2.4 million Californians suffer from diabetes and the myriad health complications it causes, a new report has concluded that the Golden State spends the least amount in the U.S. preventing the disease.
According to a study from the California State Auditor, the state only spent 3 cents per person on diabetes prevention in fiscal 2012-2013. By comparison, New York spends 42 cents per person.
The report concluded that there is no state funding available for diabetes prevention. And cuts in federal funding has led to the closure of nine health centers that were devoted to preventing and treating gestational diabetes, a condition that affects about 10% of all expectant mothers.
Moreover, state agencies -- such as the California Department of Public Health -- make little effort in securing funds for diabetes prevention efforts.
“Public Health does not have a formal process for searching for federal grants, nor does it have a staff member who routinely searches for diabetes-related grant opportunities,” the report said. The chief of the Chronic Disease Control Branch attempts to identify federal grants, but does so amid numerous other competing duties. As a result, Public Health may be missing out on additional funding opportunities.”
The Auditor suggested that the Legislature provide funding to the CDPH in order to staff a position whose responsibility would be to secure federal funding.
Kent Named New DHCS Director
Gov. Jerry Brown has named Jennifer Kent the new director of the Department of Health Care Services.
The 41-year-old Kent was previously executive director of the Local Health Plans of California, a post she has held for the past two years. She previously worked as a deputy director in the DHCS, which administers the Medi-Cal program.
Kent, who is politically independent, will have to be confirmed by the Senate in order to assume the post, which pays $182,021 per year.
Sutter, Blue Shield Finally Reach Terms On Contract
After a months-long impasse, Sutter Health and Blue Shield of California inked a new contract late last week.
The two-year pact guarantees there will be no disruption of services for the 280,000 Blue Shield enrollees who seek care in the Sutter Health provider network, which blankets a large section of Northern California.
The two sides had tangled over prices for care and the way any antitrust issues might be legally resolved.
“While the specifics of the new contract are confidential, Blue Shield is pleased that our existing legal rights and those of our customers have been protected,” the San Francisco-based health plan said in a statement. “The principles Blue Shield fought for in this negotiation with Sutter have been preserved.”
