Bill to Expand Coverage to Migrants May Test Newsom’s Pledge on Universal Health Care
By Rachel Bluth
Nearly half a million Californians without legal residency make too much to qualify for Medicaid yet they can’t afford to buy coverage. A state lawmaker is proposing to open up the state’s health insurance exchange as a first step to providing them affordable insurance.
Listen: Noise Pollution, a Private Equity Lawsuit, and College Health Fees
By Stephanie O'Neill Patison
California Healthline journalists report on a lawsuit against private equity-backed Envision Healthcare, the medical insurance and health service fees charged by colleges, and how our increasingly noisy lives may harm our health.
California Senate’s New Health Chair to Prioritize Mental Health and Homelessness
By Rachel Bluth
California state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman of Stockton has been appointed chair of the Senate’s influential health committee. A licensed social worker, Eggman said she will make mental health care and homelessness front-burner issues.
Lost Sleep and Jangled Nerves: The Rising Onslaught of Noise Harms Mind and Body
By Rachel Bluth
Noise pollution is a growing problem that isn’t confined to the ears: It can cause harm throughout the body. California is taking baby steps to address the increasing din from traffic and illegally modified cars, but public health experts urge lawmakers to act more boldly.
Sueño alterado y nervios de punta: la contaminación acústica afecta la mente y el cuerpo
By Rachel Bluth
Décadas de investigación vinculan la contaminación acústica no solo con la interrupción del sueño, sino también con una serie de afecciones crónicas, como enfermedades cardíacas, deterioro cognitivo, depresión y ansiedad.
Listen: Valley Fever, Health Worker Pay, and Ambulance Rides
By Heidi de Marco and Stephanie O'Neill Patison
California Healthline journalists report on the intersection between drought and valley fever, a union’s campaign to boost the minimum wage for some health care workers, and an ambulance company’s decision to stop providing some nonemergency services.
Fight Over Health Care Minimum Wage Yields a Split Decision in Southern California
By Rachel Bluth
Voters in Inglewood were poised to approve a union-backed $25 minimum wage for workers at private hospitals and facilities, while Duarte voters rejected it.
Journalists Delve Into Vaccine Mandates and Surprise Billing
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.
Pacientes de California temen consecuencias de nueva propuesta electoral sobre clínicas de diálisis
By Rachel Bluth
ELK GROVE, California – Toni Sherwin está ansiosa por someterse al procedimiento que reubicará su punto de diálisis de su pecho a su brazo, que será más fácil de mantener seco. Desde que empezó la diálisis en febrero —como parte del tratamiento contra un cáncer de sangre— se ha lavado el pelo en el fregadero […]
California Patients Fear Fallout From Third Dialysis Ballot Measure
By Rachel Bluth
Californians are facing the third statewide dialysis initiative in five years. The dialysis industry is spending tens of millions of dollars to defeat Proposition 29 and is running ads saying the measure would force clinics to close — a message that appears to be resonating with patients.
