Latest California Healthline Stories
Many Providers Hated the ACA When It Became Law. Have Their Opinions Changed Five Years Later?
While the health care reform law has gained the backing of some prominent physician groups, surveys and provider commentary in the media show that a majority of doctors hold a negative view of the Affordable Care Act. “Road to Reform” takes a look at past surveys to see how providers’ feelings have changed.
Scathing Auditor’s Report on Medi-Cal
California lawmakers need to ramp up their monitoring of the Department of Health Care Services to make sure Medi-Cal managed care patients can access care, according to a state audit released yesterday.
How Affordable Is The Affordable Care Act?
For many Californians, the Affordable Care Act isn’t. You’re not alone if you can’t afford your health insurance obligations, whether you’re struggling to pay your monthly premium or facing thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. “There are days when I can’t sleep, thinking ‘How am I going to do this?’” says Maria Chavez, a Whittier […]
Budget Passage Not the Final Word
The California Legislature’s balanced budget approved by yesterday’s deadline includes funding for a number of health care-related programs, but no one is predicting it’s a done deal. Lobbying and negotiating continue.
Prop.13 Changes Could Affect Health Care
Proponents say overhauling California’s landmark property tax initiative — which was passed nearly 40 years ago — could improve government’s ability to deliver health care services. Opponents say just the opposite.
Medi-Cal Managed Care Audit Coming
The state auditor is about to release a critique of Medi-Cal’s managed care program, including the adequacy and accuracy of its provider directories.
Health Changes Likely in State Budget
Some health care services may be restored in the new state budget being hammered out today in the California Legislature, but some may still face a gubernatorial veto.
New Urgent Care Center Helps Fill Void After East Bay Hospital Closure
When Doctors Medical Center, a safety-net hospital serving low-income patients in San Pablo, closed this spring, community leaders cobbled together a revised health care plan centered around a new urgent care center.
Medi-Cal Autism Care May Be Lacking
Nearly a year after autism therapy officially became a Medi-Cal benefit, only 2% of Medi-Cal managed care children with autism are receiving one of the main treatments for the malady, according to state data.
Why California’s ACOs Could Become a Model for the Nation
Organizations experimenting with the much-hyped accountable care organization model are starting to report uneven results. Could California’s pilot programs turn into a national model — even as Medicare’s flagship ACO program shows signs of weakness?