Latest California Healthline Stories
Autism Advocates Praise Covered California’s Expected Policy Change
The California health benefit exchange board’s meeting today is expected to include a policy change that autism advocates say could help many children who need applied behavior analysis therapy.
California Advocates Eagerly Awaiting Federal Report on Long-Term Care Issues
A national report is expected today from the Commission on Long-Term Care, and that report could affect the state’s approach to Cal MediConnect and the Coordinated Care Initiative.
Ruling’s Effect on Autism Coverage
An appeals court recently decided that the state cannot deny autism coverage to state employees based on licensure, and that ruling could hold an important precedent for autism advocates.
Pharmacist Practice Bill Going to Governor
State legislators passed a bill that expands practicing autonomy of California pharmacists in an effort to relieve pressure on primary care providers.
Physical Therapist Bill Headed to Governor
A bill that was both supported and opposed by physical therapist groups has cleared the Legislature floor and now heads to the governor.
Breakthrough Deal for Nursing Facilities
The state could effectively reverse a 10% cut in reimbursements for one type of Medi-Cal provider — urban, hospital-based skilled nursing facilities. The deal was done by amending language in a bill that’s about to hit the Legislature floor.
War of Words Over Abortion Clinics Only Interruption in Quiet March of Bill Passage
The Assembly and Senate are moving swiftly and relatively quietly through a mountain of bills this week. The only rubble in the health care legislation road has been over building standards at clinics offering abortions.
Deadline Nears for U.S. Supreme Court Appeal of 10% Medi-Cal Provider Cut
Legislation has stalled to rescind all or part of the state’s controversial 10% Medi-Cal provider rate cut. That leaves one big option still open — appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Lawmakers Shooting for 100 Bills a Day
The California Legislature is dealing with bills — including a number of health-related measures — at an accelerated rate as it approaches the last week of session.
Home Health Industry Could Use More Regulation, According to UCLA
A policy brief released yesterday by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research suggests California needs to do a better job overseeing the growing home health care industry.