Latest California Healthline Stories
Dual Eligible Opt-Out Percentage High
A high percentage of dual eligibles have chosen to opt out of participating in Cal MediConnect, which may affect the viability of the Coordinated Care Initiative.
New Rules To Limit Narrow Networks
The state insurance commissioner’s narrow network regulations went into effect yesterday, setting new standards for wait times and provider availability.
UCLA Report Shows How Some Clinics Integrate Mental Health Into Primary Care
Integrating mental health into the primary care setting can be done in a relatively straightforward way, according to UCLA researchers who studied five California clinics.
Birth Center Opens in San Joaquin Valley
Birth centers are on the rise nationwide, but access is limited in parts of California. A midwife, hoping to expand birthing options in her area, has launched the only birth center in the San Joaquin Valley.
Public Policy Side of Smoking Restriction
Restricting tobacco sales is just “good public policy,” according to state Sen. Ed Hernandez, who introduced a bill yesterday to raise the legal smoking age in California.
Public Health Director Calls E-Cigarettes a ‘Serious Risk’ to Californians’ Health
California yesterday became one of a handful of states to issue a public health warning about the dangers of electronic cigarettes. The state Department of Public Health will ramp up efforts to combat their use.
UCLA Report Could Serve as ‘Baseline’ To Measure ACA Effects
“The State of Health Insurance” report from UCLA’s Center for Health Policy Research could help state officials and legislators evaluate the effects of the Affordable Care Act in California.
What the Affordable Care Act Means for Taxpayers in 2015
This year’s tax season marks the first time U.S. residents will have to report their health insurance status, and possibly pay a penalty under the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate. One tax expert predicts a “bumpy road” ahead.
Little Hoover Commission Issues Report on State’s Mental Health Services
California health officials need to focus on better monitoring and counties need to have standards to measure performance of the Mental Health Services Act, according to a new report from the Little Hoover Commission.
Governor Appoints New DHCS Director
The largest health care agency in the state has a new director. Jennifer Kent, former executive director of a public health plan organization, will take over at the Department of Health Care Services.