Latest California Healthline Stories
Study Shows Sharp Differences With Introduction, Withdrawal of Fructose
Patients displayed marked changes in just nine days of a fructose-heavy diet — and showed a similar reversal of changes when that fructose was withdrawn, a UC-San Francisco pilot study finds.
Are State Innovation Waivers the Future of Health Care Reform?
Some experts say that state innovation waivers, which will be available in 2017 under a provision of the Affordable Care Act, could move health reform efforts forward — particularly in states that have been reluctant to support the law. Are such waivers the future of health reform, or, as critics contend, a slippery slope that could weaken the ACA?
HIV Medication Decision in Florida May Have Implications in California
A lawsuit in Florida triggered an insurer’s decision to lower the price of certain HIV medications for consumers by assigning the drugs to the generic drug tier. Advocates say the move may affect California’s pricing.
State Submits $17B Waiver Plan; Advocates Urge Medi-Cal Rate Review
State officials’ request to renew California’s Medicaid waiver includes $17 billion in payment reform and delivery system projects. Advocates urge CMS to review Medi-Cal reimbursement rates in the process.
Challenged in Court, Killed in Legislature, Drug Take-Back Taking Root in Counties
San Francisco supervisors this month unanimously approved an ordinance requiring drugmakers to pay for and administer a program to dispose of unused and expired drugs. The idea, rejected last year by the state Legislature, is being challenged in U.S. Supreme Court.
No-Cost Dental Event Highlights Care Gap
Thousands flocked to the Expo Center in Sacramento for a weekend of no-cost dental care, shining a spotlight on access and reimbursement issues in Denti-Cal.
CMS Settlement May Have Ripple Effect
Federal approval of a court settlement of a California case involving Medi-Cal could set a precedent applicable to another case involving Medicaid.
How Open Data Can Shape Public Policy
California public and private health care leaders are embracing the growing open data movement in hopes of improving outcomes and shaping public policy.
New Deterrent Opioids on State’s Radar
A bill in the Assembly aims to expand the use of a new kind of opioid designed to prevent patients from crushing or altering the medication, deterring one form of drug abuse.
The Affordable Care Act has helped millions of Americans get access to health insurance. It’s credited with lowering the nation’s uninsured rate to record lows. But what promises has the law failed to keep?