Latest California Healthline Stories
State Legislature Passes New MCO Tax, Rescues Over $1 Billion for Medi-Cal
In a two-thirds floor vote, the Assembly and Senate Monday passed a complex proposal to impose a restructured tax on managed care organizations — bringing in nearly $1.4 billion for Medi-Cal — and tax breaks to insurers.
Aetna CEO Backs Obamacare Exchanges, Talks Of Joining Covered California
But Mark Bertolini wants the marketplaces to better serve young people, who define healthy as “looking good in their underwear.”
Bill Would Require Insurers To Help Consumers With Complaints
Most consumers in California don’t know they can complain to the state about their health plan. Soon, insurers might be required to tell them how.
Levels Of Flame Retardant In Breast Milk Are Down
California phaseout of PBDE chemicals a decade ago gets the credit.
Battle Erupts Over Changes In California Autism Program
Advocates say thousands of children with autism in California could lose their providers or experience delays in treatment as the state shifts to Medi-Cal managed care.
Fight Looms Over Medi-Cal For Adult Immigrants Without Papers
With undocumented immigrant children able to get full Medi-Cal benefits starting in May, the state legislature will turn its attention to the more controversial idea of offering the same coverage to their adult counterparts.
Covered California Takes Aim At System Gamers
Proposal would tighten requirements for midyear sign-ups, to deter people who don’t enroll until they get sick.
California Marketplace May Require Insurers To Pay Agent Commissions
Covered California’s Executive Director Peter Lee said the measure is needed to keep insurers from slicing commissions to avoid enrolling the sickest patients.
Poverty and Violence Linked to Childhood Trauma, Poor Health
A new study says poor and violence-prone neighborhoods are a significant contributor to childhood trauma and a threat to the mental and physical well being of their residents.
Church Group Sues State Agency Over Abortion Coverage Requirement
Claims managed care department “violates the church’s rights and freedoms under the state’s Administrative Procedures Act and both the federal and state constitutions.”