Latest California Healthline Stories
Doctor Not Seeking Reelection To Desert Healthcare District Board
Michael Solomon, a contentious voice on the board, is the second member to announce he is not seeking a new term.
Biotech Firm Raises $20M For Technology Providing Road Map For Tumor Detection
The imaging agent guides surgeons in locating malignant tissue.
Calif. Lawmaker Yanks Drug Transparency Bill, Says It Was Watered Down By Amendments
All eyes have now turned to November’s ballot initiative on the same issue.
Not Everyone Is Fleeing The Exchanges: Kaiser Permanente Vows It’s ‘In For The Long Haul’
Kaiser CEO Bernard Tyson acknowledges the market is unstable, but it makes him want to figure it out rather than abandon the marketplace.
Aetna To DOJ: Block Humana Merger And We’ll Pull Out Of ACA Markets
A letter from Aetna’s CEO reveals a clear threat to the Department of Justice that if it challenged Aetna’s proposed merger with Humana it would need to take immediate action to “to mitigate public exchange and ACA small group losses.” Meanwhile, the departure highlights an intrinsic problem with the law — it incentivizes insurers to misplace risk.
ACA Helps Reduce Out-Of-Pocket Spending On Prescription Drugs, Study Finds
Prescriptions are up, but patients are paying less for their drugs. The study’s author says it is “strong evidence that the Affordable Care Act has increased treatment rates.”
Nearly Three-Fourths Of Previously Uninsured Californians Now Covered, Survey Finds
The largest group of people who are still uninsured in the state are undocumented immigrants.
Long-Term Stability Of ACA In Doubt As Insurers Continue To Jump Ship
“The exchanges are a mess as they exist today,” says Aetna’s CEO Mark Bertolini. The company is the latest insurer to announce it is pulling out of most markets.
Health Officials Make Last-Minute Push For Students To Get Vaccinated
In the Bakersfield area, more than a thousand children haven’t received their vaccinations, which a new state law requires.
State Agency Takes Further Steps In Exide Cleanup Efforts For Local Schools
The Department of Toxic Substance Control has collected more samples and recommended setting up temporary fencing to protect the children attending the schools.