Latest California Healthline Stories
Use Of HIV-Prevention Drug Grows, But Lags Among Non-Whites
The pill, known as PrEP, can reduce the risk of contracting the virus that causes AIDS by 90 percent. Its use has expanded sharply in recent years — but primarily among a white demographic.
Mental Health Of Transgender People Is Under Stress, Study Finds
New data show transgender people are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and to attempt suicide. Public hostility towards them, including efforts to ban them from public bathrooms and military service, is making things worse, researchers say.
Transgender Health Care Targeted In Crusade To Undo ACA
HHS Secretary Tom Price and President Donald Trump have vowed to use administrative powers to mitigate the health law rules that created “burdens” or that don’t match up with their agenda.
Staying Out Of The Closet In Old Age
Many aging gays and lesbians who have lived openly for decades are finding that the world of assisted living and nursing homes can be decidedly less accommodating.
Trans And Adopted: Exploring Teen Identity
A Boston health clinic that treats transgender kids and teens finds that the percentage of its young patients who are adopted is higher than expected. These kids might need extra support, doctors say.
Puberty Blockers May Improve The Mental Health Of Transgender Adolescents
Putting sexual development on hold gives children a breather as they consider transitioning to the opposite gender. But when to begin?
New Access to HIV Care, New Difficulties in Affordability
The Affordable Care Act offers new coverage opportunities for thousands of HIV-positive Californians who previously were ineligible for private insurance or Medi-Cal. However, the coverage comes with a new set of complexities and often higher prices.
Older LGBT Patients Have Unique Set of Medicare, Medi-Cal Benefit Issues
The federal approach to benefits for same-sex couples can be confusing, in part because of conflicting recognition and regulation between states — and that can have an effect on California policy.
Health Reform, LGBT, Telehealth Bills Signed
More than two dozen bills directly related to health care were signed into law over the weekend by Gov. Jerry Brown (D).
Despite some initial opposition from the Health Benefit Exchange board, the governor signed AB 1296 by Susan Bonilla (D-Martinez), a measure that creates the Health Care Reform Eligibility, Enrollment and Retention Planning Act. It requires state Health and Human Services officials to set up standardized forms and procedures to apply for or renew eligibility and enrollment in state subsidy programs.
It’s part of the no-wrong-door approach to streamline enrollment in Medi-Cal, the Health Benefit Exchange and other state assistance programs.
Gay Latinos Fighting Bias, Stereotypes on Many Levels
Health risks for gay and transgender Latinos run high in part because of multiple social pressures and several different types of discrimination. A recent legislative hearing brought this often hidden community into the light, exploring what can be done to help them.