Latest California Healthline Stories
Cigarette Tax Headed Toward Ballot
After losing a bid in the state Legislature to impose a $2-per-pack cigarette tax, proponents will ask California voters to do it.
Support for Federal Health Spending Is Down. Could the ACA Be the Reason Why?
The Affordable Care Act is the largest overhaul of the country’s health care system in history. Since the law’s enactment, support for federal spending on health care is down among Republicans, independents … and even Democrats.
Parents of Developmentally Disabled at Regional Centers Get a Fiscal Break
Gov. Brown signed legislation this week putting parental fees at the state’s regional centers on a sliding scale.
Right-To-Die Bill’s Long Path to Law
Gov. Brown, wrestling with the idea of allowing terminally sick patients in California the right to seek medical help to end their lives, sees “comfort” in ability to consider options.
Health Insurer Consolidation Under Scrutiny
As Congress convenes hearings examining the issue, we asked legislators, consumer advocates and stakeholders to weigh in on the pros and cons of consolidation in the health insurance industry.
Aid for Police in Handling Mentally Ill
The governor approved two bills calling for new training practices for California peace officers in dealing with individuals with mental illnesses.
Governor Signs Bill To Address ED Delay
Gov. Brown signed a bill this week seeking to reduce long wait times in hospital emergency departments.
Bill Addressing Expensive Specialty Drugs on Governor’s Desk
With the high cost of specialty drugs garnering national headlines and gaining a foothold in the presidential race, California legislators sent a bill to Gov. Brown that would put a cap on Californians’ prescription drug spending.
Court Rules Blue Cross, Blue Shield May Need To Pay State Health Premiums Tax
Two large health care service plans can be called health insurers, a court has ruled, and may be subject to California’s gross premiums tax.
Why California Put the Brakes on a Hospital Merger — and What it Means
A proposed $843 million California hospital merger ended in acrimony, accusations and even a lawsuit. What went wrong, and what does it mean for hospital mergers?