Latest California Healthline Stories
How Obamacare Could Change Medi-Cal For the Better (and Worse)
The Affordable Care Act will help boost Medi-Cal enrollment, which could lead to positive trickle-down effects for California, but observers warn that the program is already dealing with funding and access concerns.
What the Oregon Study Says (or Doesn’t) About Medicaid
Health care observers have claimed the results of the Oregon Health Study for their own, shaping its findings to fit their arguments about Medicaid and its expansion under Obamacare. Are the results too heavily emphasized considering the study’s limitations?
Managing Medi-Cal With Enrollment Up, Spending Down
We asked legislators, state officials and consumer advocates how California should manage Medi-Cal with enrollment going up by millions next year and reimbursements going down perhaps by as much as 10%.
Arkansas Medicaid Plan May Not Change Game After All
The state’s alternative plan for Medicaid expansion has received a great deal of attention. What did we ultimately learn?
How Many States Are Really Opting Into ACA? Devil’s in the Details
From Rick Scott to Chris Christie, more governors are changing their minds and opting into the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, but state legislators are proving a tougher sell — and in at least eight states, may have the clout to derail an expansion.
Higher Cost, Inferior Care: Dental Health in Emergency Departments
More people are seeking dental care in emergency departments as dentists turn away Medicaid patients. Does the Affordable Care Act present a solution to this costly trend, or must states look elsewhere?
Access Denied? Implications of Medi-Cal Pay Cut
Can you expand Medicaid coverage while cutting provider payments and still preserve access to care? California officials think so, but patient advocates aren’t so sure.
Republicans Changing Tune — but not Shifting Critical Tone — on Medicaid
A handful of prominent conservatives have dropped their fight against the Affordable Care Act and its Medicaid expansion, but GOP leaders say the program still needs immediate reform.
Too Much Focus on Medicare — and not Enough on Medicaid?
The continued focus on how Barack Obama or Mitt Romney would shape the Medicare program has become a major focus of the presidential campaign. It also means that the candidates’ deep, actual differences on Medicaid policy are being overlooked.
How Much Will States’ Medicaid Expansions Really Cost?
State officials are wrestling with whether to join the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, but as part of their evaluation process, many are relying on cost estimates that are not accurate.