Latest California Healthline Stories
Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ No Vacation For Insurers
In this episode of “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Joanne Kenen of Politico, Sarah Kliff of Vox.com and Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times discuss the state of the individual health insurance markets and the challenging decisions facing many insurers in the wake of the failure (for now) of Congress’ efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Why A Pennsylvania Insurer’s Collapse Could Whack Californians In the Wallet
Little-known rules require all health insurance companies to help pay claims when any one of them fails. Penn Treaty failed big — and insurers around the country are likely to pass on those costs to policyholders. California consumers may be hit hardest.
Taking Stock of California’s Big Week In Health Care
California Healthline senior correspondent Emily Bazar dissects recent developments on KCRW and Capital Public Radio.
Despite Insurers’ Tactical Win On ACA’s Cost-Sharing Payments, Uncertainty Lingers
Court allows state attorneys general to join a pending legal challenge to keep billions in subsidies flowing to consumers and insurers, despite the Trump administration’s resistance.
Anthem’s Retreat Leaves Californians With Fewer Choices, More Worries
The nation’s second-largest insurer is shrinking its presence on Obamacare exchanges and in the broader individual market in response to prevailing uncertainty. California is just the latest — and the biggest — example.
Covered California Expects 12.5% Average Rate Rise In 2018
The figure could be higher if President Trump ends an important consumer subsidy, which he has threatened to do. Anthem Blue Cross will pull out of the exchange and the overall individual market in 16 of 19 regions in the state.
5 Ways White House Can Use Its Muscle To Undercut Obamacare
The Trump administration has a variety of mechanisms at its disposal that could undermine the insurance exchanges.
Settlement Reached On Kaiser Permanente’s Repeated Mental Health Care Deficiencies
Under the agreement with California regulators, the HMO giant is required to fix delays in patient care, with the guidance of a consultant. The document acknowledges Kaiser has made progress by hiring hundreds of therapists.
Analysis: Senate’s Latest Health Blueprint Cuts Costs At The Expense Of Chronically Ill
The Senate draft bill released Thursday to replace the Affordable Care Act risks creating a high-cost ghetto for those with preexisting conditions or long-term sickness, experts say.
Blue Shield Improperly Denied Mental Health, Drug Treatment Claims, Suit Alleges
Blue Shield of California and Magellan, its mental health administrator, violated accepted professional standards in its criteria for residential treatment and intensive outpatient care, according to a class-action suit. The insurer disputes the allegations.