Latest California Healthline Stories
Assembly Approves Biosimilars Bill
The Assembly yesterday approved a bill to establish pharmacy ground rules for biosimilar medications — when they eventually do come to market.
$9 Million Grant for Consumer Outreach
The state’s consumer outreach effort got a boost last week with the announcement of more than $9 million in grant money to help Californians navigate new health insurance options.
We asked stakeholders and consumer advocates to weigh in on a recurring debate in the California Legislature regarding regulating “step therapy,” a practice designed to minimize costs and risks of prescription drugs.
Exchange Accelerating Toward Deadline
From securing a lease for a Fresno call center to submitting its bridge proposal to HHS, it’s a busy time for Covered California as the new health benefit exchange closes in on an Oct. 1 opening date.
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.
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.