Latest California Healthline Stories
Don’t Cave In To An Erroneous Bill
I’m filled with dread every time I open my mailbox to find an “Explanation of Benefits” from my health insurer. It’s bad enough when my portion of the tab is what I expected. But I virtually lose it when my bill is more than it should be. A survey last month by Consumers Union found […]
Protest Rises Over Medi-Cal Rates
A Sacramento protest planned today is aimed at increasing pressure on the governor and legislators to raise Medi-Cal provider reimbursement rates and rescind previous rate reductions.
Critics Say Soda Tax Not Working as Billed; Proponents Say It Will Pay Off in Long Run
Berkeley residents are not paying more for soda and sugary drinks, according to critics who say that undermines the country’s first tax on liquid sugar. Proponents counter that the tax will pay off in the long run.
Medicinal Marijuana Bill Retooled
Medicinal marijuana is intended to improve Californians’ health, but unregulated pot can contain harmful pesticides and pose other health risks, according to a newly retooled bill.
Decision Time Coming for Legislation Providing Care to Undocumented
The governor’s resistance to extending full-scope health coverage to undocumented immigrants in California has met with the Legislature’s determination to do so — resulting in a scaled-back version of the proposal.
New Study Offers Drug Pricing Lessons from Abroad, Urges Changes in U.S.
Authors of a new study on prescription drug pricing techniques used in other countries say it’s time for U.S. policymakers to take action to stem the rise in drug prices — especially for specialty drugs which account for a disproportionate amount of spending.
Davis Moves To Offer Soda Alternatives
Restaurants will be required to offer water or milk rather than soda in kids’ meals, according to an ordinance passed in the city of Davis.
Is the Obama Administration Coercing States To Expand Medicaid — Again?
Florida is alleging that the Obama administration is trying to force states to expand their Medicaid programs by threatening to withhold some of their Low Income Pool funding. Some health policy experts say the administration is being coercive, while others say the administration did not put up a strong enough fight.
State Has Good Care If You Can Get It, According to Text-Message Study
Researchers used text messages to survey low-income Californians who reported an overall positive experience with the state’s health care system.
Another Case Before Supreme Court Could Influence Health Care Reform
In addition to the much-anticipated ruling in King v. Burwell, a Vermont case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court involving an insurance company’s efforts to avoid divulging information also has the potential to have a significant influence on health care reform.