Latest California Healthline Stories
Cost Drivers and How To Steer Them
Expensive drugs got much of the blame last week during a legislative hearing hoping to pinpoint the major cost drivers in the state’s health care system.
Health Reform Expert Peter Harbage Dies
The health policy world in California is mourning the death of a big contributor to the health care reform effort.
Boxer, Feinstein Back State Bill To End ‘Personal Belief’ Vaccine Exemptions
Both U.S. senators from California came out in strong support of ending most childhood immunization exemptions in the state, calling the issue a public health necessity.
Dual Eligible Opt-Out Percentage High
A high percentage of dual eligibles have chosen to opt out of participating in Cal MediConnect, which may affect the viability of the Coordinated Care Initiative.
New Rules To Limit Narrow Networks
The state insurance commissioner’s narrow network regulations went into effect yesterday, setting new standards for wait times and provider availability.
UCLA Report Shows How Some Clinics Integrate Mental Health Into Primary Care
Integrating mental health into the primary care setting can be done in a relatively straightforward way, according to UCLA researchers who studied five California clinics.
Public Policy Side of Smoking Restriction
Restricting tobacco sales is just “good public policy,” according to state Sen. Ed Hernandez, who introduced a bill yesterday to raise the legal smoking age in California.
Public Health Director Calls E-Cigarettes a ‘Serious Risk’ to Californians’ Health
California yesterday became one of a handful of states to issue a public health warning about the dangers of electronic cigarettes. The state Department of Public Health will ramp up efforts to combat their use.
Little Hoover Commission Issues Report on State’s Mental Health Services
California health officials need to focus on better monitoring and counties need to have standards to measure performance of the Mental Health Services Act, according to a new report from the Little Hoover Commission.
Governor Appoints New DHCS Director
The largest health care agency in the state has a new director. Jennifer Kent, former executive director of a public health plan organization, will take over at the Department of Health Care Services.