Californians Asked to Pony Up for Stem Cell Research — Again
By Rachel Bluth
More than a decade of research tied to California’s stem cell agency hasn’t yielded many cures or much revenue. But backers of a ballot initiative that asks voters for billions more in funding say the work is vital for patients and the scientific community.
New Single-Payer Bill Intensifies Newsom’s Political Peril
By Angela Hart and Rachel Bluth
With the introduction of a single-payer bill Friday, a group of California Democratic lawmakers set the terms of the health care debate in the Capitol this year. The move puts Gov. Gavin Newsom in a delicate political position, threatening to alienate voters as he faces a likely recall election.
Pandemic Erects Barriers for Prized Bloc of Voters in Nursing Homes, Senior Facilities
By Rachel Bluth
Voting is a point of pride for many older Americans, and senior living facilities in past years have encouraged the civic act by hosting voting precincts, providing transportation to the polls and bringing in groups to help explain election issues. But fears of the spread of the coronavirus among this vulnerable population make voting more difficult this year.
Pandemia obstaculiza al preciado bloque de votantes en centros de adultos mayores
By Rachel Bluth
Muchos seniors que necesitan ayuda para obtener o llenar sus boletas podrían sufrir la consecuencias por el cambio de las reglas sobre visitas familiares.
CVS and Walgreens Under Fire for Slow Pace of Vaccination in Nursing Homes
By Rachel Bluth and Lauren Weber
A federal program that sends retail pharmacists into nursing homes to vaccinate residents and workers has been hindered by bureaucratic hurdles and scheduling woes.
‘It’s a Minefield’: Biden Health Pick Must Tread Carefully on Abortion and Family Planning
By Noam N. Levey and Rachel Bluth
President Biden vowed to reverse reproductive health restrictions enacted by President Trump. His pick to run HHS, Xavier Becerra, fought the Trump efforts but must now navigate a difficult legal and political landscape.
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.
Farmworkers, Firefighters and Flight Attendants Jockey for Vaccine Priority
By Rachel Bluth and Phil Galewitz
Everyone — from toilet paper manufacturers to patient advocates — is lobbying state advisory boards, arguing their members are essential, vulnerable or both — and, thus, most deserving of an early vaccine.
Agrícolas, bomberos y azafatas buscan estar entre los primeros en recibir la vacuna
By Rachel Bluth and Phil Galewitz
Trabajadores de salud de primera línea, y residentes y personal de hogares de adultos mayores, recibirán las dosis de la vacuna contra COVID primero, pero… ¿quiénes le seguirán?
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.
