Latest California Healthline Stories
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senate Approves Vaccination Requirement for Day Care Workers
The California Senate has approved a bill aimed at protecting preschool children by ensuring immunization among those who provide day care services.
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.
Medicare ‘Doc Fix’ Affects Non-Doctor Providers, Too
The replacement for Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula affects not just physicians, but also nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists and other types of providers. Leaders of several California provider groups say the new law will help improve beneficiaries’ access to care.
State Responds to Concerns, Resets Timeline for Senior Program Transition
State health officials announced they would extend the timeline for transition of frail and elderly Californians from the Multipurpose Senior Services Program into managed care plans.
Is Expanded Medicaid Coverage Even Worth It?
Republicans in recent weeks have shifted their arguments against the Affordable Care Act, alleging that the Medicaid coverage is like not having coverage at all. Are the millions of people who have enrolled under the law’s Medicaid expansion getting inferior coverage?