Latest California Healthline Stories
New Flu Shot Rules in New York City May Fan Debate Elsewhere, Including Calif.
Immunization advocates in California say a new policy mandating flu shots for preschoolers in New York City may help bolster the effort to require flu shots for some groups in California.
Medi-Cal Ranks Grow by Nearly 500K
Since Covered California’s open enrollment period started Nov. 15, 2014, the number of Medi-Cal enrollees has swelled by more than 400,000, and an additional 100,000 are likely eligible.
California Cities Among Healthiest
San Francisco tops the list of six California cities rated among the 50 healthiest places to live in the nation in a new report released this week.
Will Twin Medi-Cal Cuts Affect Access?
The two-year federal bump in Medi-Cal reimbursements for primary care providers ended Jan. 1 — the same day the state started paying the same group 10% less. The double whammy raises questions about a possible decline in provider participation in Medi-Cal, which could affect access to care.
The Bitter Truth: Brill’s ‘Bitter Pill’ Changed Nothing.
The landmark Time story that shook health care two years ago has been resurrected as a new best-selling book. But did author Steven Brill accurately diagnose the industry’s problems, and if so, why didn’t anyone follow his original prescription for a cure?
Health Committee Members Announced
The state Senate yesterday announced the makeup of its Committee on Health, as well as Human Services and other committees.
Inauguration Pomp, Some Substance
The governor made a quick mention of health care in his inauguration speech, while the insurance commissioner focused on it — issuing an emergency regulation to make sure insurers provide adequate access to care.
State Legislature Reconvenes Today
Some familiar faces are in new places in the Capitol today as the Legislature officially meets for the first time in 2015. The first item of business will be the introduction of a budget proposal from the governor.
Covered California Board About To Get Makeover
Three of Covered California’s five directors could be leaving, setting the stage for a leadership shift that could have significant influence on the country’s first and largest state health insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act.
Let the Health Care Changes Begin
The start of the year marks the launch of a number of health care bills into law — as well as the beginning of two Medi-Cal provider rate cuts.