Latest California Healthline Stories
Study: Hospitals Need Better Efficiency
About two-thirds of the money that could be saved through better efficiency in California’s health system comes from the inpatient hospital sector, according to a new study.
State Hit by First Non-Senior Flu Death
An influenza-related death in Santa Clara County — the season’s first fatality of a Californian under 65 — prompted state Department of Public Health officials to remind people to get flu shots.
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.