Latest California Healthline Stories
Telemedicine Struggles in Central Valley Amid Hope, Hardship
Despite investments in infrastructure, widespread use of telemedicine has yet to take hold in San Joaquin Valley, an area of California that could benefit greatly from the technology. The Valley’s experience could hold lessons for the rest of the state.
If You’re a Californian Who Likes Health Care Reform Raise Your Hand
Interesting panel discussion today in Sacramento that accompanied the release of the latest Field Poll gauging the attitudes of Californians toward health care reform. There were some surprising results in the poll, and some intriguing takes on what those numbers mean.
Kim Belshé, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, put it this way: “How can so many people (in California) feel optimistic about the promise of health care reform, and at the same time so many think health care reform won’t really help them personally?”
But first, as they say, let’s do the numbers:
New Payment Method May Help Curb Costs, Improve Care
Payment bundling, an important part of national health care reform, is likely to be an integral part of California’s effort to revamp its health care system. The new tool has the potential to deliver lower costs, more efficient reimbursement and better patient outcomes.
High-Risk Pools May Need Lower Expectations
With days to go before uninsured residents can begin applying to new high-risk insurance pools, issues ahead of the program’s launch have emerged as a microcosm of the past year’s health debate.
High Court Asks Solicitor General’s Opinion in Medi-Cal Case
If the U.S. Supreme Court chooses to hear California’s arguments in favor of reducing Medi-Cal reimbursements, the court’s ruling could have a significant impact on the entire Medicaid program and, in turn, on how health care reform rolls out across the country.
Santa Clara’s Happy Meal Toy Ban Carefully Watched
A new ordinance in Silicon Valley banning the inclusion of toys with unhealthy kids’ meals is being closely watched around the country. While supporters acknowledge that the ban isn’t the silver bullet to end childhood obesity, they say it is a new weapon in the fight.
What Will Happen to HSAs Under Reform?
More than one million Californians now are covered by health savings account-eligible health plans. However, the six-year-old HSA model may be threatened by the health care overhaul.
Making the Most of Health IT, Health Reform Overlaps
David Lansky, co-chair of the new organization managing the state’s electronic information exchange, and Jonah Frohlich, state HHS deputy secretary for health IT, identify areas where health care reform and health IT might work together for greatest impact in California.
Moving Homeless Patient Discharge From the Streets
Los Angeles’ law prohibiting hospitals from discharging homeless patients back to the street was a catalyst for creating recuperative and transitional care programs that help the city and county deal with the nation’s largest homeless population.
Early Expansion of Medi-Cal Probably Not in the Cards
Although a few jurisdictions across the nation are moving to expand their Medicaid programs ahead of a federal deadline to do so, budgetary pressure and political uncertainty may prevent California officials from making a similar decision.