Latest California Healthline Stories
Specialty Drug Costs Soar 30% For California Pension Fund
Such medications account for more than a quarter of the state agency’s $2.1 billion in pharmacy costs.
It’s In The Water: The Debate Over Fluoridation Lives On In California And Nationwide
Though fluoride has been added to water for decades to prevent tooth decay, grassroots opposition still pops up in towns and cities around the country.
New California Law Allows Organizations to Buy EpiPens For Emergencies, But Will They?
The new law isn’t mandatory, and concerns about training and who can give life-saving shot remain.
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.
Remember The ‘Public Option’? Insurance Commissioner Wants To Try It In California
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones says a publicly run health plan would bolster competition in the state. But some question whether it would lower premiums.
Health Law Expanded Coverage For Ex-Inmates, But Gaps Remain
The health law’s Medicaid expansion and its requirement that employer medical plans cover dependents up to age 26 had a significant impact on coverage for this population. The portion of young adult ex-inmates without insurance fell from 40 percent to 32 percent.
Governor Weighs Legislation On Surprise Medical Bills
The problem, known as balance billing, happens when patients are treated by an out-of-network professional at an in-network facility. Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to sign the legislation.
Covered California Announces Modest Premium Hikes For Small Businesses
Officials call the 5.9 percent premium increase “moderate,” but many small businesses still shy away from the state’s insurance exchange.
Newly Covered By Medi-Cal, Undocumented Children Also Seek Dental Care
Some dental clinics are expanding their hours to meet demand, but can an already stressed system satisfy the needs of children who haven’t seen a dentist in years?
‘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.