Report: States Increase Cost Controls To Manage Medicaid Growth
Medicaid enrollment and total spending are projected to rise more slowly for 2017, but California and other states’ tabs will grow faster as the federal government begins to taper funding for Obamacare expansions, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports.
What Would A Public Insurance Option Look Like In California?
California might not need one, UCLA health policy expert Gerald Kominski said in an interview — but he added that it could provide a backstop against potential future retrenchment by private sector health plans in the state’s ACA insurance exchange.
Tobacco Tax Ballot Measure Would Fund Health Care For California’s Poor — But How?
The state tax would boost the Medi-Cal budget by millions, but it’s unclear how the money will be distributed. And that’s by design.
Veterans Courted In California’s Ballot Fight Over Curbing Drug Prices
The initiative would prohibit California state agencies from paying more for a prescription drug than what the Department of Veterans Affairs pays. Both sides are deploying veterans’ sympathetic and trusted image to win over voters.
‘Simple Choice Plans’ To Debut on Federal Exchanges In 2017
Already in place in California, the standardized insurance options will help consumers nationwide better compare Obamacare health plans.
Behind The EpiPen Monopoly: Lobbying, Flailing Competition And Tragedy
The death of a Sacramento girl paved the way for a state law that strengthened the demand for EpiPens in California.
Price Hike For One Diabetes Drug Costs CalPERS Millions
The drug Lantus is among a new generation of diabetes medications that is difficult for governments — and consumers — to afford.
California Lawmakers Aim To Tackle Rural Health Challenges
Two measures seek to ease patients’ transportation woes and doctor shortages.
This Patient Advocate Has No Quarrel With Big Pharma
Liz Helms of the California Chronic Care Coalition takes some surprising positions on prescription drug costs.
Is UC Davis Medical Center Skimping On Care For The Poor?
Advocates, patients and even medical students say people on Medi-Cal can’t get primary care there. But UC administrators say they provide plenty of other care to Medi-Cal patients.