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Latest California Healthline Stories

California’s Uninsured Rate Declined Last Year Despite Federal Efforts To Roll Back ACA

The percentage of people without insurance in California continued its decline in 2017, despite Republican efforts in Washington, D.C. to roll back the Affordable Care Act. The uninsured rate now stands 10 percentage points below its level in 2013 — the year before the coverage expanding provisions of the federal health law took effect, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Doctor To The Stars Disciplined Over Use Of Controversial Menopause Therapy 

Dr. Prudence Hall has made a name for herself in the field of “bioidentical hormones” — plant-based compounds purportedly customized for each patient’s needs. Experts say the popular approach is unproven; California regulators say she was grossly negligent in her care of two patients.

Medicaid Covers Foster Kids, But Daunting Health Needs Still Slip Through The Cracks

Nearly all children in the foster care system are covered by Medicaid. Yet, foster parents still struggle to meet the extraordinary health needs of their children. In California, over 67,000 foster kids are enrolled in Medi-Cal, the state’s version of Medicaid. And nearly 23,000 former foster youth are enrolled in the program as a result of the Affordable Care Act.

Confusion Leaves Low-Income Children In Health Care Limbo

Some low-income children in California are not getting medical, dental and mental health treatments to which they are entitled under federal law. Legal aid advocates blame a confusing disconnect between state and federal law, and a bill to address the problem is awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown’s approval — or veto.