Latest California Healthline Stories
When Looking For A Nursing Home, You May Get Little Help From Your Hospital
Hospitals rarely help patients find the best nursing home. When they do advise, hospitals sometimes push their own facilities.
After-Hours ER Care May Come With A Doctor’s Surcharge
Patients sometimes find an additional charge, generally between $30 and $200, tacked onto their bill for visiting a hospital emergency room between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Early Alzheimer’s Gene Spells Tragedy For Patients, Opportunity For Science
Researchers are studying families from the U.S. and Mexico for clues to how Alzheimer’s develops in young patients, with the hope of finding treatments — and even cures — for the more common form of the disease.
Bundled Payments Work, Study Finds, But HHS Nominee No Fan
A study found that Medicare’s bundled payments model for joint replacement could save the government billions of dollars without harming patient care.
Leading Republicans See A Costly Malpractice Crisis — Experts Don’t
The incoming HHS secretary wants to boldly reform the malpractice system, saying hundreds of billions are wasted on “lawsuit abuse” and defensive medicine. Industry experts say premiums and claims are down and “it’s a wonderful time for doctors.”
Offering Syringes Along With Prayers, Churches Help IV Drug Users
Some churches and other faith-based organizations are offering clean syringes to IV drug users, while still others are voicing their support for comprehensive treatment, testing and education programs that also help stem transmission of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C.
New Special Enrollment Rules Will Shift Paperwork Burden To Consumers
Federal officials provide details about a pilot project starting in June that will delay some consumers’ mid-year marketplace enrollment until they produce documentation proving eligibility.
Thousands Of Covered California Enrollees Could Lose Subsidies In January
The state insurance exchange overlooked 24,000 of its policy holders who failed to give consent to verify their income. If they don’t do so by Dec. 31, they could lose their subsidies in January.
New Rules to Limit Medi-Cal ‘Death Fees’
Medi-Cal’s controversial program to go after your assets when you die will be significantly curtailed starting in January, but some enrollees could be hit by new claims.
Fear Of Deportation, Hate Crimes Reportedly Threaten Mental Health Of Young Californians
Teachers and health professionals report post-election depression, anxiety and stress in young immigrants and minorities.