Latest California Healthline Stories
No Warning Labels on Sugary Drinks; Assembly Committee Rejects Proposal
One of the high-profile health bills in Sacramento this year — a plan to put health risk warnings on the sides of soda cans and other sweetened drinks sold in California — passed the Senate but failed to get out of committee in the Assembly.
How To Fight An Unexpected Bill Under Obamacare
Do your homework. That’s the advice that health insurance companies have long given. They tell you to verify whether your doctor or hospital is in network before you head to your appointments. If you don’t, you risk a hefty bill for visiting an uncovered provider. But in the age of Obamacare, “doing your homework” has […]
Bill To Diversify Exchange Rolls Along
A few weeks after passing a Senate floor vote, a proposal to expand the credentials and capabilities of the Covered California board of directors has been approved by the Assembly health committee.
Health Issues Spur Debate Into Final Hours of Budget Negotiations
Debate over health care-related issues produced a high level of angst among California legislators in the final hours of budget discussions Sunday night.
Consumer Advocates Support California Bill Limiting Asset Seizure
California consumer advocates support a proposal in the state Legislature that would limit the assets the state can recoup from deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries’ estates.
Legislature Firms Up Budget Deal; Almost All Health Issues Go Wanting
The Legislature and governor said no to a raft of health care funding proposals — including Medi-Cal provider rates and autism as a Medi-Cal benefit — in a budget agreement being released today and put to a vote on Sunday.
Appeals Court Reverses Lawsuit Ruling, Requires Mental Health Coverage
Insurers must provide a broad range of mental health coverage, according to a ruling from the state Court of Appeal that reversed a Superior Court decision.
New Consortium Promotes Efficiency in Working Toward Clinical Trials
The process leading to clinical trials for new drugs — often inefficient and prolonged — is receiving a makeover from a new consortium of California health centers and medical research institutions, the Partnership to Accelerate Clinical Trials — or PACT.
The ACA May Aggravate the Doc Shortage. What’s the ACA Going To Do About It?
With millions of U.S. residents gaining coverage under the Affordable Care Act, the law is expected to exacerbate predicted primary care physician shortages. However, the law contains several provisions intended to bolster the ranks of PCPs. What are those provisions, and do experts think they’ll work?
Approval of Autism Benefit in Louisiana May Influence California Budget Talks
California lawmakers are considering making autism therapy a Medi-Cal benefit, an idea bolstered by CMS’ approval last month of a similar plan in Louisiana.