Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

Psychological Damage From Separation Has Already Been Done To Kids, Experts Say As Trump Caves On Immigration Policy

“It’s not like an auto body shop where you fix the dent and everything looks like new. We’re talking about children’s minds,” said Luis H. Zayas, professor of social work and psychiatry at the University of Texas at Austin. “We did the harm; we should be responsible for fixing the damage. But the sad thing for most of these kids is this trauma is likely to go untreated.”

Atul Gawande Says U.S. Health System Is ‘Very Expensive Pile Of Junk.’ As Head Of Billionaires’ Initiative, Will He Be Able To Fix It?

The health world has been closely watching to see who Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase would choose to lead their health care initiative geared toward reining in astronomical costs. Atul Gawande, a highly respected doctor and writer on health care policy, is a “well-known luminary” in the field, but the pick was also a surprise to some because he lacks hands-on experience running a large organization.

Aetna, CVS Defend Merger In Front Of Calif. Insurance Commissioner, But Antitrust Experts Aren’t Buying It

Executives from the companies said the deal won’t negatively affect the marketplace, but outside experts predict that it will chip away at competition to the detriment of patients. California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones can’t block the merger himself, but his suggestion could have an impact on regulators’ final decision.

Conservatives’ New Health Plan Has Little Chance Of Passing — But It Shows There’s Still An Appetite For Repeal

Most Republican lawmakers don’t want to touch the issue with a ten-foot pool this close to the midterm elections, but conservative groups are still pushing for a change. The proposal, which focuses on giving control to the states, was drafted by groups led by the Heritage Foundation, the Galen Institute and former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.).

House Republicans’ Budget Plan Would Put Medicare In The Cross Hairs

While its not clear the measure would actually get to the floor before the midterm elections, the House Budget Committee’s blueprint shows where Republicans’ priorities lie in the coming years. The budget plan would remake Medicare by giving seniors the option of enrolling in private plans that compete with the traditional program.

Trump Touts ‘Massive’ Savings From Association Health Plans, But Critics Still Say They’re Junk Insurance

The Trump administration announced the finalized rule yesterday that would give small businesses access to insurance options like those available to large companies and let them skirt some of the health law’s requirements. While President Donald Trump said the rule will save people “massive amounts of money,” Democrats and others in the health industry say the insurance plans are “junk” and they will further destabilize the marketplace.