Latest California Healthline Stories
Veterans Courted In California’s Ballot Fight Over Curbing Drug Prices
The initiative would prohibit California state agencies from paying more for a prescription drug than what the Department of Veterans Affairs pays. Both sides are deploying veterans’ sympathetic and trusted image to win over voters.
Health Law Expanded Coverage For Ex-Inmates, But Gaps Remain
The health law’s Medicaid expansion and its requirement that employer medical plans cover dependents up to age 26 had a significant impact on coverage for this population. The portion of young adult ex-inmates without insurance fell from 40 percent to 32 percent.
Governor Weighs Legislation On Surprise Medical Bills
The problem, known as balance billing, happens when patients are treated by an out-of-network professional at an in-network facility. Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to sign the legislation.
Covered California Announces Modest Premium Hikes For Small Businesses
Officials call the 5.9 percent premium increase “moderate,” but many small businesses still shy away from the state’s insurance exchange.
Newly Covered By Medi-Cal, Undocumented Children Also Seek Dental Care
Some dental clinics are expanding their hours to meet demand, but can an already stressed system satisfy the needs of children who haven’t seen a dentist in years?
‘Simple Choice Plans’ To Debut on Federal Exchanges In 2017
Already in place in California, the standardized insurance options will help consumers nationwide better compare Obamacare health plans.
California Nursing Board Works To Whittle Down Licensing Backlog
The new director of the agency has ramped up efforts to break the logjam, and he says they are bearing fruit.
What’s Behind Rising Insurance Premiums
California Healthline’s Emily Bazar recently joined a panel hosted by San Francisco’s KALW radio to discuss how consumers can minimize the impact of sharply rising Covered California premiums. Listen to her advice below.
Consumer Group Questions Role of Drug Costs In California Premium Hikes
Consumers Union says Anthem Inc. and Blue Shield of California may be exploiting furor over prescription drug prices. State regulators are looking into the issue.
Behind The EpiPen Monopoly: Lobbying, Flailing Competition And Tragedy
The death of a Sacramento girl paved the way for a state law that strengthened the demand for EpiPens in California.