Latest California Healthline Stories
Shift in Stem Cell Grant Policy
The state’s stem cell agency has adopted a policy of approving funding for more late-stage clinical trials.
Little Hoover Takes On Denti-Cal
The troubled dental program for Medi-Cal beneficiaries will be scrutinized and advised by the nonpartisan Little Hoover Commission.
State Grades Hospitals on Stroke Outcomes, Readmission Rates
Consumers and insurers can now compare the quality of care for stroke patients in California online, using data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.
Website Will Compare Health Insurance
Collaboration between the state and Consumer Reports will allow health insurance shoppers to see differences in quality and price.
State’s Children Bear Brunt of Poverty
Advocates and analysts weigh in on new census data that show about two million California children — nearly one in every four children — lived in poverty last year.
Bill Passed To Undo ‘Step Therapy’ Rule
Under some health insurance rules, patients need to fail several therapies before their providers are allowed to prescribe what they want. The California Legislature approved a bill that could change that.
Bill for CMS Waiver Extension Quietly Heads to Governor for Signature
The Legislature won’t be in session when California’s current CMS waiver to keep the duals demonstration project going expires so lawmakers set up an extension process in case state and federal negotiators hit a snag.
California Advocates Welcome Federal Plan To Deal With Disparities in Medicare
California health advocates welcomed the announcement last week of a federal plan to address barriers to Medicare access and care experienced by a range of minority populations.
The California Legislature has finished its business for 2015 without replacing a tax on managed care organizations. However, the issue remains in play while the special session continues.
Committee Gives ‘Mega Bill’ Go-Ahead
A bill to revamp a managed care organization tax, impose new tobacco taxes and fund developmental disability services moved through committee yesterday in the California Legislature’s special session on health.