Padres con hijos muy enfermos encuentran consuelo y esperanza en la ayuda de hospicio en el hogar
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Si bien el cáncer es una de las principales enfermedades que afectan a los niños en cuidados paliativos, muchos otros tienen defectos congénitos raros, deficiencias neurológicas graves o deficiencias metabólicas poco comunes.
The Time Has Come for DIY Mandates on Covid
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Yes, lots of us suffer from pandemic fatigue and have been getting sloppy about precautions in recent months. But with covid an ongoing menace — and governments reluctant to return to sweeping mandates — it’s time for all of us to step up our game.
California Hospitals Seek a Broad Bailout, but They Don’t All Need It
By Samantha Young and Angela Hart
As hospitals squeeze Democratic leaders in Sacramento for more money, health care finance experts and former state officials warn against falling for the industry’s fear tactics. They point to healthy profits and a recession-era financing scheme that allows rich hospitals to take tax money from poorer ones.
Even Well-Intended Laws Can’t Protect Us From Inaccurate Provider Directories
By Bernard J. Wolfson
State and federal laws require health plans to offer accurate lists of participating doctors and facilities, but consumers still struggle to get timely appointments with providers.
No-Bid Medi-Cal Contract for Kaiser Permanente Is Now Law, but Key Details Are Missing
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill last month that authorizes a statewide Medi-Cal contract for HMO giant Kaiser Permanente. But details still need to be worked out in a memorandum of understanding.
Computer Glitches and Human Error Still Causing Insurance Headaches for Californians
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Covered California and Medi-Cal share a computer system for eligibility and enrollment. Nearly a decade since the Affordable Care Act expanded coverage options in the state, enrollees can be diverted to the wrong program — or dropped altogether — if erroneous information gets into the system.
Fallas informáticas y errores humanos en la cobertura de seguros siguen siendo un dolor de cabeza para los californianos
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Es cierto que pequeños cambios en los ingresos pueden hacer que la elegibilidad cambie, pero si se ingresa información incorrecta en un sistema informático compartido por Covered California y Medi-Cal, o se elimina información precisa, eso les puede causar grandes dolores de cabeza a los afiliados.
California’s Massive Medicaid Program Works for Some, but Fails Many Others
By Angela Hart and Bernard J. Wolfson
Medi-Cal serves more than one-third of the state’s population — offering a dizzying range of care to a diverse population. In the new “Faces of Medi-Cal” series, California Healthline will assess the program’s strengths and weaknesses through the lives and experiences of its enrollees.
New Covered California Leader Urges Renewal of Enhanced Federal Aid for Health Premiums
By Bernard J. Wolfson
Jessica Altman took over in March as executive director of California’s health insurance marketplace, which serves 1.8 million people. She warns that if Congress does not renew the tax credit enhancements that have made health plans more affordable, consumers will face significantly higher premiums, which could cause many to forgo coverage.
Modesto Company Poised for Madera Hospital Takeover After Uphill Battle
By Melissa Montalvo, The Fresno Bee and Bernard J. Wolfson
American Advanced Management, a steadily growing operator of small hospitals, is expected to get the green light from a bankruptcy court next week to take over the shuttered Madera Community Hospital. Some community groups worry about the company’s track record.