Barbara Feder Ostrov

Barbara Feder Ostrov was a senior correspondent for KFF Health News until 2020.

@barbfederostrov

Patients Suffer When Health Care Behemoths Quarrel Over Contracts

The latest example is Sutter Health and Anthem Blue Cross, whose failure to seal a deal is causing Anthem members to worry they may not have access to one of the dominant hospital chains in Northern California. Across the U.S., the stakes in such contract fights have risen, as health systems and insurers battle to increase their market share.

California Attorney General And Santa Clara County Face Off Over Sale Of Two Hospitals

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is trying to prevent Santa Clara County from buying two local nonprofit hospitals unless it pledges to maintain certain critical health care services. County officials warn the hospitals will close if the attorney general succeeds, leaving area residents with fewer health care choices.

End Of Tax Penalty Could Fall Hardest On Previously Uninsured Californians

A new report shows that Hispanics, young people, the healthy and the poor — all groups with high rates of uninsurance before the Affordable Care Act — are the most likely to forgo insurance now that the tax penalty for not having it has been eliminated.

In California, Doctors Accused Of Sexual Misconduct Often Get Second Chances

The state medical board grants probation in more than a third of cases, a California Healthline analysis found. Even as other institutions adapt to lessons of the #MeToo movement, the board plans no major changes, saying it has always prioritized discipline for sexual misconduct.

Blue Shield’s Trims To Out-Of-State Coverage Give Some Californians The Blues

To keep costs down, Blue Shield of California next year will scale back on a program allowing members to receive a wide range of care beyond the state’s borders. Customers with individual plans mostly won’t be able to get coverage out of state except for emergencies or other exceptional circumstances.