Latest California Healthline Stories
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why One Insurer Quit Covered California
Ventura County Health Care Plan applied for Covered California with every intention of participating in the new marketplace. Half a year later, administrators made the tough call to pull out for 2014. What can their experience teach us?
Questions, Concerns Greet Exchange Leaders at S.F. Town Hall Meeting
In one of the first in a series of outreach events, Covered California officials attracted a big crowd and fielded many questions last week in San Francisco.
Providers Brace for Medi-Cal Rate Cut, Hold Concerns About Access to Care
Dustin Corcoran of the California Medical Association, Jan Emerson Shea of the California Hospital Association, San Diego otolaryngologist Ted Mazer and Norman Williams of the California Department of Health Care Services spoke with California Healthline about the implications and implementation of the 10% Medi-Cal provider reimbursement rate cut.
How Will Young Adults And College Students Fare Under Obamacare?
Q: My youngest child is 21 and graduated from college in May. My other daughter is 24 and is still a college student in Stockton. What are my options with them under the Affordable Care Act? A: The good news, Simona, is that your daughters may have several options and their coverage could fall into […]
Nurse Practitioner Bill Loses Supporter After ‘Drastic’ Last-Minute Amendments
A bill to allow nurse practitioners more independence is up for another vote this week before a California Assembly committee, but new amendments have prompted one supporter to oppose the measure.
How Will ACOs Share Liability Risk?
We asked experts and stakeholders how policymakers and accountable care organization leaders should shape the working environment for ACOs, which may face new liability issues under health care reform.