Latest California Healthline Stories
State, Stakeholders Work To Renew Community-Based Adult Services
The state’s program to provide care for the frail and elderly population — Community-Based Adult Services — must be renewed by May 2014. California health officials are working now to make sure that happens.
Obamacare Affects Immigrants, Too
California has more immigrants than any other state. At least one in four Californians – more than 10 million people – were born in another country. And they’re a diverse bunch: Some immigrants, like my parents, are naturalized U.S. citizens. Others are green card holders. Some live here illegally. In addition, there are many thousands of people […]
California Small Business Exchange Up & Running, Unlike Delayed Federal Exchange
Covered California’s small business insurance program is fully up to speed, exchange officials said yesterday, in contrast to delays occurring in the national online enrollment site.
Health Information Exchange Taking Root in Northern California
Northern California health information organizations — both established and nascent — are participating in statewide pilot programs and initiatives promoting health data exchange.
Medi-Cal a Hidden Enrollment Success
When Covered California opened its enrollment season on Oct. 1, it opened a big door to signing up Californians for Medi-Cal coverage. More than 140,000 Medi-Cal beneficiaries were enrolled in the first seven weeks.
When Health Plans Drop Your Doctor: Are Narrow Networks a Bad Idea?
Many health plans on Covered California and other insurance exchanges exclude some prominent doctors and hospitals. The trade-off — less access for lower prices — has raised concerns and even spurred lawsuits, but experts say it’s the likely direction for the nation’s health system.
Exchange Applications, Website, Agents All Hit Higher Marks in Second Month
Three weeks into November, Covered California statistics have jumped, setting up hopes for a big December at the state’s new health insurance exchange.
High Rate of Fast Food Consumption Among Children ‘Surprising to See’
A new study from UCLA’s Center for Health Policy Research suggests many California children ages 2 to 5 eat fast food regularly and don’t eat many fruits and vegetables.
Hotline Opened for Cancellation Issues
After making national news last week by deciding not to extend the deadline for non-compliant insurance policies, Covered California launches a hotline today to field calls related to policy cancellations.
California Hospital Officials Not Impressed by Research on ‘Out-of-Control Costs’
Harvard Business Review research contends that a few hospitals nationwide — including some in California — are responsible for a significant percentage of above-average charges to CMS and patients. California hospital officials did not put much stock in researchers’ conclusions.