Latest California Healthline Stories
California Pay-for-Performance Programs Draws National Attention
As outcomes of a pay-for-performance program in California are reviewed this week, CMS and other groups consider the program as a model for similar efforts across the U.S.
Will PBMs Drive Up or Curb Medicare Drug Costs?
Pharmacy benefit managers play a central role in the Medicare drug benefit, leading some health care players to question what effect PBMs’ involvement will have on costs under the new benefit.
Health Care Players React to Special Election Outcome
California health care players’ reactions to the special election were mixed, but some players are preparing to move forward with legislative proposals and other health-related ballot measures.
Drug Plan Choices Await California Medicare Beneficiaries
With more Medicare beneficiaries than any other state, insurers are offering more than 100 options for Medicare drug coverage in California. Beneficiaries now must weigh the benefits and copayments of the plans to determine what their best option is.
Health Care Players Look at Possible Effects of Future Health Insurance Mergers
After last year’s debate over the Anthem-WellPoint merger, health care players now are looking at what a proposed merger between PacifiCare and UnitedHealth Group could mean for the health insurance market.
CNA Efforts Expand Beyond California’s Borders
Although some nurses have welcomed the California Nurses Association as it seeks to expand the scope of its work, other nurse unions and hospital operators have been critical of CNA’s efforts on nurse representation and broader health care policy initiatives.
Legislators Pursue Universal Health Care Proposals
Despite the repeal of a state law that would have required some employers to provide health insurance to employees, some California legislators are pursuing legislation that would create a universal health care system in the state. The details of the proposals vary but reflect legislators’ sustained interest in expanding health coverage.
California Health Care Spending Below National Average
Distinct economic, political and social conditions in California result in a unique health care marketplace, in which some costs and utilization rates are below the national average, while some outcome measures are above the national average. Some health policy players consider possible explanations.