Latest California Healthline Stories
Will New Medi-Cal Number Top 13 Million?
Gov. Brown’s budget proposal today will probably include a new updated number of Californians in the state’s Medicaid program. The total is expected to top 13 million for the first time.
State Dropping Ball in Dealing With Childhood Trauma, New Report Says
The 2016 California Children’s Report Card released yesterday says the state is not doing enough to promote healing for more than one million California kids experiencing trauma in their lives.
MCO Tax a Looming Question in Governor’s Upcoming Budget Proposal
If calling a special legislative session didn’t work, what’s next on Gov. Brown’s agenda to replace the loss of the $1 billion managed care organization tax?
New Year, New ACA Provisions, Court Cases and More
As the Affordable Care Act heads into its sixth year, employers are bracing for the full employer mandate and new reporting provisions, while the Obama administration prepares to go back to court. In this issue of “Road to Reform,” we look ahead to see what 2016 has to hold for health care.
Heavy Use Of CT Scans Raises Concerns About Patients’ Exposure To Radiation
CT scans, which are administered more than 85 million times a year, are an important diagnostic tool, but just one can be equivalent to 200 X-rays. Some doctors warn that health providers are not considering possible consequences when ordering the tests.
Hospitals Required To Keep Caregivers In The Loop
California is one of several states to pass laws intended to involve caregivers in discussions when patients are hospitalized or discharged.
Scrutinizing Aetna-Humana Deal
At a public hearing yesterday weighing the merits and drawbacks of the Aetna/Humana merger, the director of the state Department of Managed Health Care said she’s wary of health insurance consolidation.
Expensive Drugs in 2016 Crosshairs
Lawmakers, policymakers and California voters are poised this year to move past dismay and discussion about rising prescription drug prices. With a new law on the books in California and a petition approved for the statewide ballot, dismay may give way to action.
Feds OK California’s $6.2 Billion Waiver
California will start two pilot programs — a global payment system and the Whole Person Care pilot — as well as launch a dental incentive program and a public-hospital funding proposal under a Medi-Cal waiver approved last week by federal officials.
Health Reform in 2015: A Year in Review
From the King v. Burwell decision to the ultimate “doc fix,” there were some major developments in health care reform this year.