Centene Showers Politicians With Millions as It Courts Contracts and Settles Overbilling Allegations
By Samantha Young and Andy Miller and Rebecca Grapevine
Centene, the largest Medicaid managed-care company in the U.S., has thrown more than $26.9 million at political campaigns across the country since 2015, especially focused on states where it is wooing Medicaid contracts and settling accusations that it overbilled taxpayers. Among its tactics: Centene is skirting contribution limits by giving to candidates through its many subsidiaries.
A Family Wellness Check: California Invests in Treating Parents and Children Together
By Samantha Young
The state will be the first to offer comprehensive counseling services to parents during pediatric visits as part of Medicaid.
Doctors’ Lobby Scores ‘Major Victory’ on Bill to Hold Physicians Accountable
By Samantha Young
Patients and some lawmakers have long blasted the Medical Board of California for failing to discipline negligent or abusive physicians. But the politically powerful California Medical Association, which represents doctors, has mobilized against the latest attempt to give the board more money and power to investigate complaints.
Confronting Our ‘Frailties’: California’s Assembly Leader Reflects on a Year of Covid
By Samantha Young
California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon says covid exposed long-standing health care inequities that must be addressed. He told KHN he wants to get more people insured, boost broadband access so more patients can use telehealth and increase funding to local health departments.
You’ve Added Your Kids to Your Health Plan. What About Mom?
By Samantha Young
A bill in the California legislature would require state-regulated health plans to cover policyholders’ dependent parents. Advocates say the measure would reduce the number of uninsured people, while business groups warn of premium increases.
Has agregado a tus hijos a tu plan de salud. ¿Y tu mamá?
By Samantha Young
Un proyecto de ley en California exigiría que los planes de salud regulados por el estado cubran a los padres dependientes de los asegurados. Según activistas, la medida reduciría el número de personas sin seguro; pero grupos empresariales advierten sobre el aumento de las primas.
Another Soda Tax Bill Dies. Another Win for Big Soda.
By Samantha Young
A bill that would have allowed California cities and counties to once again pursue taxes on sugary drinks was just shelved in the legislature without a hearing. Public health advocates blame the political — and financial — clout of the soft drink industry.
Otra victoria para la industria: fracasa proyecto de ley de impuestos a sodas
By Samantha Young
En los últimos cuatro años, las empresas de refrescos gastaron alrededor de $5,9 millones presionando a legisladores de California y haciendo donaciones a sus campañas u organizaciones benéficas favoritas.
Medicaid Weighs Attaching Strings to Nursing Home Payments to Improve Care
By Susan Jaffe
The Biden administration is considering whether Medicaid, which pays the bills for 62% of nursing home residents, should require that most of that funding be used to provide care, rather than for maintenance, capital improvements, or profits.