Latest California Healthline Stories
Is Berkeley’s New Soda Tax a Tipping Point or an Outlier?
Proponents say the definitive victory for the nation’s first tax on sugary beverages is the beginning of a movement that will grow and spread. Big soda representatives say it’s an insignificant anomaly.
Promising Epilepsy Rx from UC-Davis
A new treatment for extremely severe epileptic seizures was found to be effective with no side effects in the first clinical use of an experimental medication, according to UC-Davis researchers.
What the Insiders Will Be Watching During the ACA’s Second Open Enrollment Period
With the Affordable Care Act’s second open enrollment period set to kick off this weekend, many observers are focusing on how many people will sign up for coverage. What else are experts paying attention to? California Healthline asked several to find out.
Medi-Cal Enrollment Jumps to 11.3 Million
Enrollment in Medi-Cal continues to rise and now includes almost one-third of the state’s population. The number of beneficiaries — estimated now at about 11.3 million — is likely to dip after the renewal period ends.
Pressure Ratchets Up on Pending Sale of Six Safety-Net Hospitals to Prime
A number of California legislators have joined the chorus of concerns about the impending sale of six Daughters of Charity hospitals, asking the state attorney general’s office to nix the sale.
Fragile, Rural Population About To Be Moved Into Medi-Cal Managed Care
Consumer advocates say it didn’t go so well the last time state officials moved elderly and disabled Medi-Cal beneficiaries into managed care plans. Now the state is moving forward with another shift — this time for rural beneficiaries. How will this transition be different?
Lawmaker Seeks Better Access to Medi-Cal Care for Former Foster Kids
Young adults termed out of foster care at age 18 now are entitled to Medi-Cal coverage until age 26 but many of them aren’t getting it, according to a California legislator.
Covered California is trying a new approach to promote open enrollment. The health insurance exchange is taking its show on the road.
California, New York Efforts Highlight Shift in Health Data Exchange
With federal funding for electronic health information exchange largely gone, the locus of HIE activity has been shifting to the state and local level. Unique efforts in California and New York could serve as viable options for a large-scale exchange.
Study: Adversity, Trauma Early in Life Increases Likelihood of Poor Health Later
A report released this week in conjunction with a childhood trauma summit in San Francisco finds trauma and adversity early in life is linked to poor health later in life.