Latest California Healthline Stories
Safety-Net Hospitals Face $1.5 Billion Shortfall by 2019, UCLA Study Says
Public hospitals taking care of the poorest Californians could be looking at a $1.5 billion shortfall, according to a new study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.
‘Gun Violence Restraining Order’ Idea May Get Traction, Experts Predict
In the wake of the Isla Vista shooting spree, proposed legislation to give family and friends authority to request a “gun violence restraining order” in California may have a better chance at success than previous legislative efforts at curbing gun violence, according to mental health experts.
Budget Wrangling Ramps Up This Week Over Children’s Health Care Programs
The fate of a number of state health care programs — including the possibility of autism therapy as a Medi-Cal benefit — will be decided in budget talks this week.
Senate Approves Soda Warning Bill
Legislation to require a health-risk warning label on soda and other sugary drinks sold in California passed a floor vote yesterday in the state Senate.
Senate Passes Rate Regulation Bill
The California Senate yesterday approved a bill to expand the state’s health insurance rate review process to the large-group market.
New, Private Inland Empire Medical School Could Open in 2016
A new, private medical school in Colton, San Bernardino County, could open as early as 2016. But first, the school must hit a number of targets, from building a new campus to receiving accreditation.
Then vs. Now: How Dire Predictions About Obamacare (Mostly) Didn’t Come To Pass
Early data suggest that the Affordable Care Act is starting to change the health care industry — and if not for the better, then at least to make the sector stronger. Here’s a look at how several Obamacare provisions are affecting patients, physicians and hospitals.
Podiatry Gets Vote as Medi-Cal Benefit
The California Assembly yesterday unanimously approved a bill to reinstate podiatric services as a Medi-Cal benefit.
Soda Warning Bill Passes Committee; Plan To Insure Undocumented Does Not
A bill to provide health coverage to the state’s undocumented population stalled in committee last week, but another high-profile health bill seeking warning labels on sweetened beverages advanced.
State’s Reluctant Takeover of Local Health Plan Contested in Superior Court
California health officials say they were forced to take over the financially troubled Alameda Alliance for Health out of concern for the local health plan’s members. But Alliance officials say their members will suffer from the takeover and are fighting the state in court.