Latest California Healthline Stories
Continuity of Care Bill Goes to Governor
A bill aimed at making sure patients can complete a course of treatment despite changes in insurance coverage sailed through the Legislature and is now waiting for the governor’s signature.
Riverside County First Responders Frustrated by Ambulance Delays
Almost half the state’s emergency medical service agencies — which serve 70% of the state’s population — have reported problems with ambulance wait times. Three counties in the Inland Empire — Riverside, San Bernardino and Kern — are grappling with the problem.
Legislative Analyst Pushes for Better Oversight of Health Care Services
As state lawmakers evaluate the possibility of reversing a 10% Medi-Cal provider cut, an official from the Legislative Analyst’s Office said he is concerned by a lack of legislative oversight and accountability over state health policy.
California Rep. Bera Co-Sponsors Bill To Curb Medical Malpractice Risk, Save Money
A new national legislative proposal is designed to use evidence-based medicine to improve patient health, save money and reduce risk of medical malpractice lawsuits.
Ruling in Physician Whistle-Blower Case Could Have Far-Reaching Consequences
The California Supreme Court’s ruling upholding a physician’s right to file a whistle-blower lawsuit before exhausting the peer-review process could alter hospital-physician relationships in California, according to some observers.
LA Care Passes Duals Readiness Review
CMS officials gave the green light yesterday for LA Care to participate in California’s duals demonstration project, though the insurer still will miss half a year of automatic enrollment.
Obamacare Payment Pilots Are Struggling To Prove They Work. Here’s Why It’s OK.
To slow health spending, the federal government, dozens of payers and thousands of providers are spending time — and money — on pilots that ultimately may not lead anywhere. And that’s OK, experts say.
‘We Ain’t Done Yet,’ Steinberg Says at Legislative Hearing on Autism Coverage
Access to autism coverage has improved in California in the past year but major steps still need to be taken according to experts at a state Senate hearing yesterday, including State Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, author of an autism bill signed into law in 2011.
Survey: Better Access to Autism Care, but Co-Pays Too High for Many Families
A survey to be released at a legislative hearing today shows access to autism services increased for California families as a result of a new state law, but some families were unable to afford co-payments and deductibles under new regulations established after the law took effect.
Medi-Cal Cuts Undermining Senior Programs, Facilities, Advocates Say
The 10% reduction in Medi-Cal reimbursements has undermined the viability of long-term care programs in California, according to advocates for seniors and the disabled who predict looming and continued closures could lead to a lack of access.