Latest California Healthline Stories
Wary Of Exchanges, Insurers Are Wooed By Expanded Medicaid Program
Amid financial losses and the uncertainty of federal funding under Obamacare, health insurers find there’s money to be made in Medicaid.
Enriched By The Poor: California Health Insurers Make Billions Through Medicaid
Medicaid is rarely associated with getting rich. But some insurance companies are reaping spectacular profits off the taxpayer-funded program in California, even when the state finds their patient care is subpar.
Health Companies Race To Catch UnitedHealth As Amazon Laces Up
UnitedHealth, a health industry goliath, has its hand in doctors’ offices, surgery centers, technology services and prescription drugs. It is the industry model, and CVS and Aetna, says one expert, are ‘wannabes.’
Anthem Eases Up On Premium Hikes After State Scrutiny
After regulators questioned Anthem’s forecast for medical costs, the company agreed to reduce rate hikes on its individual and small-business health plans next year, saving customers an estimated $114 million.
Long-Term Disability Insurance Gets Little Attention But Can Pay Off Big Time
People who become disabled because of accident, injury or illness can turn to long-term disability insurance to pay a portion of their income.
Focus Back On 2018 Premium Hikes As Open Enrollment Nears
Covered California may let insurers raise rates by an average of up to 25 percent on certain plans if uncertainty persists about the federal government’s commitment to funding reductions in out-of-pocket expenses for low-income people. California Healthline Senior Correspondent Chad Terhune discussed this and other health care topics Wednesday on KABC radio.
The GOP Repeal Bill Is Imploding. Here Are 5 Things Left Hanging On Obamacare.
Even though the Affordable Care Act has dodged another legislative bullet, it still faces challenges.
Need An MRI? Anthem Directs Most Outpatients To Independent Centers
The insurer says hospital-based imaging services are too expensive and the independent facilities provide high-quality care.
High On Drugs? Anthem Cites Soaring Drug Costs To Justify 35% Rate Hike in California
The company’s drug spending prediction, far above other insurers in the individual market, has experts scratching their heads. Anthem cites market volatility.
If You’re Blindsided By Health Plan Changes, Learn The Root Causes — And Your Rights
Insurers can reduce benefits or change cost sharing, but they are generally supposed to tell enrollees about the change beforehand. And although plans must tell patients when they are denied coverage, sometimes treatment is affected for other reasons.