Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

Aid-In-Dying Law Falls Within Scope Of Improving Californians’ Health, AG Argues In Appeal Of Judge’s Decision

A judge recently overturned the legislation, saying it was passed illegally in a special session that was supposed to focus on specific health care issues. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra cited Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown’s statement from when he signed the bill into law as an example of how the measure fits into the scope of the special session.

Surprise Attack On Farm Bill May Have Tanked Efforts To Set Work Requirements For Food Stamps

Conservative Republicans in the House refused to support the farm bill unless they got a separate vote on immigration legislation, disappointing Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), who couldn’t get Democratic votes on the bill because it would have added the work requirements.

Anthem Criticized For Denying Claims For Patients Who Go To ER For ‘Non-Emergency’ Ailments

Patients, doctors and hospitals are publicly criticizing the insurer over the tactic. Anthem says its policy aims to reduce use of emergency departments to rein in health care costs. In other marketplace news: The Wall Street Journal examines the behind-the-scenes role of Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani at Theranos; and Aetna wants back documents being used in a whistleblower suit against CVS Caremark.

Kaiser Permanente Invests $200M To Help Reduce Homelessness

The money will target places where the insurer operates, including Northern and Southern California. “In the 21st century, we should not accept the whole concept of homelessness in our communities,” says Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard Tyson.