Latest California Healthline Stories
Questions Loom About Obamacare As Covered California’s Open Enrollment Nears
President Donald Trump took two swings at the Affordable Care Act last week. Californians are somewhat protected from immediate harm but doubts persist about the law’s future as sign-ups begin Nov. 1.
Governor Inks Support for Some Key Health Bills, Nixes Others
Gov. Jerry Brown signed many critical health care bills sent to him by the state legislature, cementing California’s role as a health care champion.
Impact Of Trump Subsidy Decision Blunted In California — For Now
The president’s move to end payments that reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income consumers had already been anticipated in California and some other states — and could hit a legal snag.
Anthem Eases Up On Premium Hikes After State Scrutiny
After regulators questioned Anthem’s forecast for medical costs, the company agreed to reduce rate hikes on its individual and small-business health plans next year, saving customers an estimated $114 million.
California Slaps Surcharge On ACA Plans As Trump Remains Coy On Subsidies
Covered California authorized a 12.4 percent average surcharge on silver-tier plans, the second-least expensive option sold on the exchange. It brings the total average premium increase on those plans to nearly 25 percent next year.
New Law Challenges ‘Evils’ Of Pharma Profits, California Governor Claims
Gov. Jerry Brown signed the measure, which takes effect next year and will require drug companies to publicly justify big price increases.
Will California Kick Butts Off State Beaches? Not This Year
Gov. Jerry Brown last week vetoed two bills that would have limited or banned smoking at state parks and beaches.
Training New Doctors Right Where They’re Needed
Eight teaching centers in California aim to train and retain doctors in medically underserved areas such as California’s Central Valley. They are among 57 such institutions across the country that may soon receive a boost in funding from Congress.
Eyes Fixed On California As Governor Ponders Inking Drug Price Transparency Bill
“If it gets signed by this governor, it’s going to send shock waves throughout the country,” one legislator says. Pharma has spent $16.8 million to lobbying against this bill and other drug laws in California.
5 Takeaways From Congress’ Failure To Extend Funding For Children’s Coverage
Federal funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program expired Sept. 30. Many states still have money in their budgets, but California has enough money to last only through the end of the year.