New Laws Keep Pandemic-Weary California at Forefront of Health Policy Innovation
By Samantha Young and Angela Hart
Gov. Gavin Newsom approved many consequential health care bills by his bill-signing deadline Wednesday, including a ban on the sale of menthol and other flavored tobacco products, the creation of a state generic drug label and better coverage for mental health disorders.
Sin presidente todavía, el futuro de la salud también sigue siendo incierto
By Julie Rovner
Lo que está en juego es si el gobierno federal desempeñará un papel central en las decisiones de salud o cederá más autoridad a los estados y al sector privado.
Newsom Likes To ‘Go Big’ But Doesn’t Always Deliver
By Angela Hart
The COVID-19 pandemic is showcasing California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s leadership style to a national audience. The first-term Democrat doesn’t shy away from making splashy announcements and lofty promises, but his plans often lack detail and, in some cases, follow-through.
Long-Fought Nurse Practitioner Independence Bill Heads to Newsom
By Rachel Bluth
The measure caps one of the most contentious health policy debates in recent memory, potentially altering how Californians get their medical care. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto it.
Verily’s COVID Testing Program Halted in San Francisco and Oakland
By Jenny Gold and Rachana Pradhan
Health officials in San Francisco and Alameda counties have cut ties with Verily’s state-funded COVID testing sites amid concerns about data collection and privacy.
California Rx: State May Dive Into Generic Drug Market
By Angela Hart and Samantha Young
California could become the first state to develop its own line of generic drugs under a bill approved Monday by the legislature. The measure heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration.
Newsom’s Ambitious Health Care Agenda Crumbles In A ‘Radically Changed’ World
By Angela Hart
California Gov. Gavin Newsom charged into 2020 with ambitious — and expensive — proposals to increase health insurance coverage, reduce homelessness and tackle drug prices. Then came COVID-19.
Hard Lives Made Harder by COVID: Homeless Endure a ‘Slow-Moving Train Wreck’
By Anna Maria Barry-Jester and Angela Hart
This was supposed to be the year California finally did something about its homelessness epidemic. COVID-19 upended that promise, along with the cobbled-together services many homeless people rely on for survival. Interviews across the state reveal a new magnitude of hardship and indignity for tens of thousands of people living on the streets.
In Becerra, an HHS Nominee With Political Skill But No Front-Line Health Experience
By Rachana Pradhan and Angela Hart and Julie Rovner and Jenny Gold
Despite his lack of front-line experience, Democrats see the California attorney general as an important ally to shepherd a progressive agenda on the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, reproductive health services and immigration.
