Waiver Approval a Strong Start, Now Time for Long-Term Vision, Expert Says
State and federal health officials reached an agreement on $6.2 billion worth of waiver projects for California’s Medicaid program. One expert says it’s time to build on that with a stronger vision of Medi-Cal’s future.
California officials updating the state’s General Plan are holding forums across the state to gather community input, including on health provisions that might be in the plan.
$6 Billion Waiver Gets Federal Approval
California gets almost everything it wanted in a scaled-back $6.2 billion waiver request for Medicaid delivery and payment system reforms approved over the weekend by federal regulators.
Exchange Gears Up for Third Open Enrollment Period
Interest in signing up for coverage through Covered California may be piqued by the increased penalty this year for lack of health insurance — as much as $2,085 per family.
Pharmacists Can Substitute Biosimilars
Biological medications are expensive, and new types of medications called biosimilars may cost significantly less. A new law allows pharmacists to substitute biosimilars, just as they now change some brand-name drugs to generics.
Poll Asks Duals for Opt-Out Reasoning
The high rate of seniors opting out of the Cal MediConnect program for Californians dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid has been hard to figure out, so the state decided to ask people why they’re doing it.
Californians Favor Taxing E-Cigarettes
A new Field Poll shows Californians expressed concern about electronic cigarettes’ contribution to nicotine addiction among young people and more than two-thirds of them want to increase regulation efforts.
Anti-Smoking Agencies Joining Forces
Three state agencies with a stake in tobacco cessation efforts are holding their first joint conference — and electronic cigarettes are high on their discussion list.
Exchange Survey Sets Table for Upcoming Open Enrollment Period
Covered California hopes to sign up at least 300,000 consumers in the enrollment period starting Nov. 1 — in part by reaching Californians who are eligible for subsidies but don’t know it.
Decision on Social Security Could Affect Health Care Costs for State’s Seniors
There may be no cost-of-living increase in Social Security this year, which could mean hikes in Medicare premiums and deductibles along with half a billion dollars less for the state’s coffers.