Needle Exchanges Are Targets of Eco-Rooted Lawsuits. A New Law Will Stop That.
By Rachel Bluth
Opponents of free needle programs in California are using environmental regulations to shut them down. On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that will end that strategy.
Democrats Say Abortion Is on the Line in Recall Election. But Rolling Back Rights Wouldn’t Be Easy.
By Rachel Bluth
Reproductive rights groups and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom argue that Californians’ access to abortion would be threatened if he is recalled. But a replacement governor’s power to restrict access to the procedure would be limited.
A California Bill Would Limit Protests at Vaccination Sites. Does It Violate the First Amendment?
By Rachel Bluth
A proposal breezing through the state legislature would make it illegal to obstruct someone from getting a covid-19 shot, or any other vaccine, but some free speech experts say it goes too far.
California Makes It Easier for Low-Income Residents to Get and Keep Free Health Coverage
By Rachel Bluth
State lawmakers aim to expand Medicaid enrollment by dedicating billions of dollars in coming years to simplifying paperwork, extending pregnancy coverage and opening the program to thousands of new enrollees, including older unauthorized immigrants and people who need nursing home care.
California facilita que residentes de bajos ingresos obtengan y mantengan una cobertura de salud gratuita
By Rachel Bluth
El acuerdo sobre el presupuesto estatal para 2021-22 incluye varias disposiciones que facilitarán el acceso y la permanencia en Medi-Cal. Todas las personas mayores de 50 años serán elegibles, independientemente de su estatus migratorio.
Grab Your Mask and Notepad, We’re Headed Back to the Capitol
By Rachel Bluth
After being mostly closed to the public and the press for more than a year, California’s state Capitol is open again — masks, temperature checks, covid outbreaks and all.
With Federal Covid Sick Leave Gone, Workers Feel Pressure to Show Up at Work
By Rae Ellen Bichell
National paid sick leave provisions for covid expired, and an uncertain covid winter is around the corner. Los Angeles and Oakland are among the places trying to fill the gap, but many employees still face financial pressure to go to work while sick.
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Florida Limits Abortion — For Now
The Florida Supreme Court handed down dual abortion rulings this week. One said voters will be allowed to decide in November whether to create a state right to abortion. The other ruling, though, allows a 15-week ban to take effect immediately — before an even more sweeping, six-week ban replaces it in May. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is doubling down on his administration’s health care accomplishments as he kicks off his general election campaign. Lauren Weber of The Washington Post, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins University schools of nursing and public health, and Tami Luhby of CNN join KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews health care analyst Jeff Goldsmith about the growing size and influence of UnitedHealth Group in the wake of the Change Healthcare hack.
Journalists Unpack Patchwork Vaccine Rollout, Rapid Covid Tests and More
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.
Doctor on Call? Lawmakers Debate How Much to Pay for Phone Appointments
By Rachel Bluth
Phone visits became an option for many Medicare and Medicaid patients during the pandemic. Now policymakers are deciding whether they’re worth the money.
