Latest California Healthline Stories
State Alters Rollout of Duals Project
The launch of the state’s duals demonstration project still is slated for April 1, but with some county-specific delays and a few changes in Los Angeles County.
Poll of State College Students Breaks Stereotypes of ‘Young Invincibles’
The big barrier for health care insurance among young people is price not indifference, according to a new poll of state college students. The findings seem to contradict a common theme about “young invincibles” who don’t think they need health insurance.
Assembly Passes Continuity of Care Bill
Insurers would be required to cover a complete course of certain treatments despite termination of coverage under a bill approved unanimously last week by the state Assembly.
Information Exchange Efforts Outlined
California health information exchange officials have produced a series of webinars examining innovations and developments throughout the state.
Study Shows Decline in Emergency Services Use Among Newly Insured
A new UCLA study showed a correlation between having health insurance and using fewer emergency department services — one of the primary cost-saving tenets of the Affordable Care Act.
Senate Passes Bill Requiring Coverage, Notice After Changes in Provider Status
The state Senate passed a bill yesterday that places restrictions and responsibilities on insurers when they change network status of providers.
Teledentistry Gets Boost From Assembly
A bill to expand the virtual dental home by bringing teledentistry to rural Californians passed the Assembly floor on a near-unanimous vote yesterday.
CMS, State Officials Halt Participation of CalOptima in Dual-Eligible Plan
Federal officials found “widespread and systemic” violations in an audit of Southern California insurer CalOptima, causing state officials to exclude Orange County residents — at least temporarily — from the Cal MediConnect conversion of dual-eligibles to Medi-Cal managed care.
Exchange Hopes New Hires Will Improve Service, Increase Minority Enrollment
Covered California board members hope hiring more enrollment helpers and increasing marketing will ease concerns over low minority enrollment and inadequate customer service.
State Agency Nearing Extinction: ‘We Have Accomplished Our Mission’
The end is nigh for the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, which has overseen a number of programs to help uninsured Californians — especially children — get health coverage.