The federal agency that administers Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) is working to change the health-care delivery system through public and private partnerships fueled by the newly established Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation. Provider

Calling it “a positive result,” a federal judge on Tuesday gave her official stamp of approval to last month's settlement of a lawsuit challenging the state's transition plan for adult day health-care services. A new program will provide services for Californians who are deemed to be at high risk for institutionalization. California Healthline

A majority of California adults would be willing to pay higher taxes to preserve current levels of spending on health and social services, according to a new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California. HealthyCal.org

Planning for the needs of young people with chronic health conditions and developmental disabilities can be very difficult, but an expert on the subject from UC San Francisco has tips for anxious parents. San Francisco Chronicle

The practical applications of music for healing are irresistible. Cutting-edge music therapy can help Parkinson's patients walk, enables the autistic to rehearse their emotions and provides opportunities for stroke victims to regain speech and motor movement. Music is usually the last thing Alzheimer's sufferers recognize. It is our final way to communicate with them, and now it seems music can play a significant role in forestalling Alzheimer's. Los Angeles Times

To date, 397 3.2 NHPPD surveys have been completed at various facilities throughout the state. CAHF would appreciate your feedback on a survey about your 3.2-audit experience.  This information will be aggregated and shared with the Department of Public Health during ongoing discussion on this important topic. Please also contact Mary Jann at CAHF, (916) 441-6400, ext. 227, mjann@cahf.org. Visit the CAHF 3.2 NHPPD website as well for further updates.