Hearing Looks at Acquisition of Insurer
State regulators heard from all sides during a public hearing yesterday over the planned merger of health insurers Centene and Health Net.
Advocates Ratchet Up Pressure on Blue Shield To Increase Foundation Funding
Consumer groups’ letter joins concerns raised by the Department of Managed Health Care over insurer’s lack of increase in foundation funding after merger approval.
Progress Lauded for Former Foster Kids
Children’s advocates praised the state in a report this week for making sure former foster children receive their Medi-Cal coverage.
Stem Cell Agency To OK New Approach
The draft plan to alter the direction of the state’s regenerative medicine agency — a shift from basic research funding to clinical use — is about to become official.
Supreme Court To Hear Case Deciding Fate of All-Payers Claims Databases
The nation’s highest court is scheduled today to hear a case that could decide the future of statewide health insurance claims databases, which are considered an important tool in improving care and reducing costs.
Researchers, Health Officials Trying to Solve Dual Eligibles’ Opt-Out Puzzle
UCLA researchers launched a project to understand the high opt-out rate in the state’s duals demonstration project, while health officials release a tool for seniors to better understand their choices.
Mental Health Access Crisis Hitting EDs
A lawsuit alleges Los Angeles County has denied care access to individuals with mental illness, while a new study says reductions in mental health services is swamping emergency departments.
Two California Counties Get Grants To Address Effects of Early Traumatic Events
Fourteen communities across the country — including two in California — are getting funds to try to reverse the bad health trends of patients with traumatic childhood events.
UC’s Case Studies Focus on Food Policy
Research on food and agriculture from throughout the University of California system has been compiled in a single report to inform and influence policy.
Report Examines Cancer Surgeries in California Hospitals
Higher volume has been linked with better outcomes for some types of cancer surgeries, but information about which hospitals performed which surgeries was not easy to come by. A new report examines the frequency of those surgeries at hospitals across California.