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.
California’s Primary Care Shortage Persists Despite Ambitious Moves To Close Gap
By Bernard J. Wolfson and Vanessa G. Sánchez
The state has in recent years embraced several initiatives recommended in an influential health care workforce report, including alternative payment arrangements for primary care doctors to earn more. Despite increasing residency programs, student debt forgiveness, and tuition-free medical school, California is unlikely to meet patient demand, observers say.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beneficiarios de Medi-Cal: cómo verificar si eres elegible
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Medi-Cal, la versión de Medicaid en California, puso en marcha una iniciativa de 14 meses para reexaminar la elegibilidad de sus casi 15.8 millones de miembros.
California’s Covid Misinformation Law Is Entangled in Lawsuits, Conflicting Rulings
By Bernard J. Wolfson
A state law says giving false information to patients about covid-19 constitutes unprofessional conduct for which regulators can discipline doctors. Vaccine skeptics, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., join civil liberties groups and others in arguing that it violates free speech.
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.”
