Latest California Healthline Stories
Training Launched for Exchange Educators
Covered California this week began training 2,000 community-based educators who will help sign people up for the state’s health benefit exchange.
S.F. Alzheimer’s Pilot Results Released
San Francisco’s coordinated care pilot project results for dementia patients released at a national Alzheimer’s conference yesterday showed a dramatic 40% reduction in emergency department utilization rates.
Grants Set for Rural Information Exchange
Federal, state and University of California officials have teamed up to promote health information exchange among rural providers, aiming for smoother and more effective use of electronic health records in California.
Workforce Training, Stop-Loss Bills OK’d
A number of health-related bills cleared committee just before the California Legislature’s summer recess, including legislation to expand the number of physicians in underserved areas.
Insurers, Legislators Clash Over Premium Disclosure Bill
Despite objections from insurers, the Assembly health committee approved a bill aimed at reducing health coverage costs by getting insurers to divulge more information about premium increases.
Contentious Physical Therapy Legislation Approved by Committee
A bill to establish a pathway for patients to gain direct access to physical therapists passed committee after a long, heated discussion.
Medical Home Bill Closer to Passage
A bill designed to launch the state’s medical home program with financial assistance from the federal government and the California Endowment won approval from the Senate health committee.
Staggered Summer Recess Deadlines Are Unlikely To Affect Health Care Policymaking
The strange timing of the summer recess likely won’t affect health care policy decisions, lawmakers said, because no committee meetings currently are scheduled during the breaks.
Insurance Commissioner Worried About United’s Departure From Individual Market
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones issued some words of warning about United Healthcare’s decision to withdraw from the individual market in California.
Primary Care Provider Rate Bump Delayed
The temporary increase in Medi-Cal rates for primary care providers — which the federal government launched in January — won’t be distributed by California health officials until the fall.