Latest California Healthline Stories
Emergency Transport Firms Want a Seat at Medi-Cal Rate Talks Table
A coalition of six emergency transport companies, saying Medi-Cal reimbursement covers one-sixth of the actual cost of emergency ambulance services, seeks a rate increase from the state.
Should California Prohibit ‘Skinny’ Health Insurance Plans From Large Employers?
We asked legislators, consumer advocates, employers and insurers to weigh in on a bill in the California Legislature that would prohibit large employers from offering workers “skinny” health plans in California.
Governor Calls for Special Legislative Session To Address Health Spending
With health care spending high on his list of fiscal concerns, Gov. Brown has called for a special legislative session dealing with Medi-Cal, loss of the managed care organization tax and other health spending issues.
Survey Bolsters Nurse Practitioner Bill
AARP, which has been campaigning for state legislation to expand scope of practice for nurse practitioners, is releasing a survey today that shows strong support for the proposal among older Californians.
Sacramento County Votes To Provide Health Care for Undocumented Adults
Six years after trying to eliminate the county’s indigent care program, Sacramento reversed direction and now will provide the services.
Getting Autism Therapy Benefit Doesn’t Mean Getting Access to Care
Almost a year after the state made autism therapy a Medi-Cal benefit, just 2% of California’s autistic children in the Medi-Cal program are actually getting care.
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.