Latest California Healthline Stories
Has the ACA Made Community Health Centers Unnecessary?
Many people view community health centers as a key source of health care for uninsured U.S. residents. With the expansion of health insurance and efforts to increase the number of primary care providers via the Affordable Care Act, are CHCs still needed?
Governor Signs Bill Allowing Mid-Level Practitioners To OK Resuscitative Edicts
California physician assistants and nurse practitioners can approve patient wishes regarding resuscitative measures under legislation approved yesterday by the governor.
Obamacare Tax Already Affecting Worker Health Plans
For the millions of Californians with job-based health coverage, this one’s for you. And it’s a doozy. Starting in 2018, a hefty Obamacare excise tax — known informally as the “Cadillac tax” — will target high-cost health insurance plans offered by employers. Don’t be fooled by the 2018 start date. Some employers are taking steps […]
Feds OK State’s Drug Medi-Cal Waiver
Federal health officials gave the green light to California’s plan to revamp and better coordinate physical and mental health services delivered in Medi-Cal.
Solvent Again, State Rural Health Association Rising Slowly, Carefully
After two years of financial struggle since closing up shop in Sacramento, the California State Rural Health Association is solvent again and planning to grow.
Effort Ramps Up To Establish MCO Flat Tax as Legislature Reconvenes
As the Legislature heads back to work today, replacing the vanishing tax on managed care organizations is the centerpiece of the special session on health care spending. One legislator suggests a flat tax.
State Wants Public Health Innovations
Health officials issued an “innovation challenge” to drum up new ideas and fresh community health approaches.
Advocates, CMS Warn Providers About Continuing Medicare ‘Balance Billing’
A CMS report says low-income seniors and those with disabilities often are billed for copayments, deductibles and other forms of shared payments, which is against the law.
Debate over mandatory use of California’s Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System continues to simmer, as other states adopt mandatory compliance and the California Medical Association continues to oppose it.
ACA’s Home Care Pilot Shows Strong Results Out the Gate
Initial data show the Independence at Home Demonstration project has the potential to rein in spending, which some Affordable Care Act critics say has been missing from the law. Some industry experts are calling for the program to be implemented at the national level, while others say it might be too early to determine the program’s success and sustainability.