Latest California Healthline Stories
Minimal Fallout Expected From State Auditor’s Mental Health Spending Report
A state auditor’s report criticizing the way California agencies and government officials have overseen spending of mental health funding may accelerate changes already underway, according to experts.
Contested Biosimilars Bill Clears Committee
A bill to regulate a new kind of biologic medication cleared a big legislative hurdle yesterday, setting the stage for the last showdown on the Assembly floor over a surprisingly controversial measure.
Obamacare Obstacle: Consumers’ Confusion When Picking a Plan
Recent surveys show that many U.S. residents are confused about health insurance terms, which could make things tricky when purchasing coverage through the insurance exchanges. Several efforts are underway to clarify the process and direct individuals to policies that fit their medical — and financial — needs.
Hospital Fee Is One Step Closer to Law
An Assembly committee unanimously approved a plan to levy a fee on California hospitals and use the money to draw down additional federal funding for hospitals and the state.
UC-Riverside Medical School Bill Approved
The Assembly yesterday approved a measure to urge the state’s new medical school in Riverside to use part of its recent $15 million allocation from the state to steer students to a physician-retention program.
Supreme Court Decision on Insulin Injection Shapes the State’s Use of School Nurses
The dramatic decline in the number of school nurses in California over the past two decades contributed to last week’s California Supreme Court ruling that school personnel can give kids insulin shots. Advocates worry the decision might lead to fewer school nurses.
State Outlines Plan To Transition Low-Income Health Program to Medi-Cal
A conference in Sacramento last week laid the groundwork for the state to move about 600,000 Californians from the Low Income Health Program to Medi-Cal next year.
Process Begins for Medi-Cal Provider Cuts
Plans were announced this week for a phased implementation of a 10% cut in Medi-Cal providers’ reimbursement. The first phase begins Sept. 5.
ACOs Expand Amid Uncertain Futures
Accountable care organizations, one of the key tools for keeping costs down under health reform, have had mixed success so far in California. Some providers are saving money, but whether they’ll be able to sustain savings while meeting quality standards remains to be seen, experts say.
Amended Mid-Level Provider Bills OK’d
An Assembly committee approved two bills designed to expand the amount of work that can be done by pharmacists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.