Centene Agrees to $215 Million Settlement With California for Alleged Medicaid Overbilling
By Samantha Young
The nation’s largest Medicaid insurer denies wrongdoing after the California attorney general’s office investigated it for inflating prescription drug costs.
California Offers Lifeline to 17 Hospitals, Including up to $52 Million for Madera
By Bernard J. Wolfson
California’s new lending program for distressed hospitals will provide Madera Community Hospital with interest-free loans of up to $52 million if it can agree on a viable reopening plan with Adventist Health. The state will offer an additional $240.5 million in interest-free loans to 16 other troubled hospitals.
Listen: Generous Deals, and a Few Unwanted Surprises, at Covered California
Southern California correspondent Bernard J. Wolfson answers questions about the health coverage deals available on California’s Affordable Care Act marketplace during Radio Bilingüe’s news program “Línea Abierta.”
Medi-Cal Covers Gender-Transition Treatment, but Getting It Isn’t Easy
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Pasha Wrangell has faced delays getting gender-affirming care because of red tape and limited providers. Over more than two years, Wrangell has received only about half the total electrolysis sessions recommended. Wrangell’s insurer through Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, acknowledges the shortage of practitioners.
Medi-Cal’s Fragmented System Can Make Moving a Nightmare
By Bernard J. Wolfson
When Medi-Cal beneficiary Lloyd Tennison moved last year from Contra Costa County to San Joaquin County, he was bumped off his managed care plan without notice before his new coverage took effect. His case highlights a chronic issue in California’s fragmented Medicaid program.
Journalists Cover the Gamut, From Rising Insulin Costs to Delays in Autism Care for Kids
KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances.
Superar una adicción es un proceso. No hay una solución única.
By Bernard J. Wolfson
La adicción es una enfermedad crónica que requiere vigilancia constante, no existe una solución única y las recaídas son parte del proceso de recuperación.
‘Worse Than People Can Imagine’: Medicaid ‘Unwinding’ Breeds Chaos in States
By Phil Galewitz and Katheryn Houghton and Samantha Liss and Bernard J. Wolfson
As Medicaid programs across the nation review enrollees’ status in the wake of the pandemic, patients struggle to navigate the upheaval.
ER Doctors Vow to Pursue Case Against Envision Despite Bankruptcy
By Bernard J. Wolfson
The lawyer for an emergency physicians group says its lawsuit against Envision Healthcare should be allowed to proceed even though the company has filed for Chapter 11 protection.
Medi-Cal Enrollees: Here’s How to Verify Your Eligibility
By Bernard J. Wolfson
California’s safety-net health program has resumed annual eligibility checks after three years, which means beneficiaries will need to provide updated personal information to maintain coverage. Here’s what to watch for.
