Morning Breakouts

Latest California Healthline Stories

For Many It’s ‘Beyond Belief’ That Funding For Wildly Popular CHIP Program Is In Limbo

“It crushes me to think we’re in an environment where kids’ health is up for debate,” said Dr. Todd Wolynn, a pediatrician in Pittsburgh. Although the program has enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the past, Congress has been dawdling on renewing funding for the program.

Consultants Sought To Help Settle Fierce Dispute Over Pharmacists’ Medi-Cal Reimbursement Rates

Pharmacists have for months said the new reimbursement rates that were established after OptumRx took over control of reimbursement as the new pharmacy benefit manager for the Gold Coast Health Plan’s medication program are far below what they need to stay afloat.

Second County Pathologist Resigns Citing Sheriff’s Interference, ‘Total Disregard’ Of Proper Procedure

Dr. Bennet Omalu, who had gained attention after his work was spotlighted in the movie “Concussion,” followed in the steps of colleague Susan Parson and offered his resignation as San Joaquin County’s chief medical examiner. The pair has been documenting what they call the improper behavior from the sheriff and sent it to the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and the county district attorney in a push for a broader investigation.

After Supporting Tax Bill, Collins Wants More Than Double Original Ask For Bill Stabilizing Marketplace

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said he would support passage of the bill sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). In other news, the health industry is about to be hit with a double-whammy from the Republican tax bill and a decision by the Department of Health and Human Services on short-term health plans; and The New York Times looks at where President Donald Trump gets it right — and wrong — about premiums.