Latest California Healthline Stories
Committee OKs Vaccine Requirement for Day Care Workers; Floor Vote Next
A bill requiring people working with children in day care centers to be immunized against influenza, whooping cough and measles was approved by the Assembly Committee on Appropriations yesterday.
One Step Forward, One Step Back in Medication Reform for Foster Children
Prompted in part by a series of legislative hearings on the possible over-prescription of psychotropic medication for foster children, the state released new prescribing guidelines. At the same time, a reform bill lost its funding.
ACA Improved Rx Drug Access, But Some Still Face Barriers to Finding Best Coverage
The Affordable Care Act requires health plans to include coverage for prescription drugs, but differing medication formularies, incomplete coverage information and other obstacles could be keeping consumers from actually using those benefits.
Rural Northern Counties Set To Launch Pilot Palliative Health Care Initiative
A new pilot program in four rural California counties will provide palliative care and services to Medicaid managed care patients through home visits and phone contact.
Tobacco Bills Headed for Senate Floor
A half dozen tobacco bills — including legislation to regulate electronic cigarettes and raise the legal smoking age to 21 — passed the state Senate appropriations committee and are headed for a floor vote.
Federal Court Sides With Home Workers
California got the green light to implement an overtime pay requirement for home health workers, possibly in the fall. However, that light turns yellow if the case is appealed to the Supreme Court.
New Program in Coachella Valley Seeks Affordability in Personalized Primary Care
Putting a new spin on concierge medicine, Eisenhower Medical Center’s new direct primary care model lets patients connect to their doctors via email.
Republicans Balk at Revised MCO Tax
A hearing this week during the California Legislature’s special session on health care laid out the challenges of crafting a revision of the managed care organization tax that would be fair to everyone. Republicans raised the “no new taxes” flag.
Exchange Ponders Adult Vision Benefit
Covered California is considering adding adult vision benefits to insurance coverage sold through the exchange.
Timing Right for State To Align Health Insurance Oversight Under One Roof?
We asked legislators, regulators, consumer advocates and health care experts to weigh in on a new report saying the timing is right for California to move away from bifurcated oversight and designate a single health insurance regulator.