Latest California Healthline Stories
Will Rx Ballot Initiative Save Money? Report Offers An Educated Shrug
A ballot measure in November would peg state-paid drug prices to the lowest prices paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But there’s a catch: The VA won’t say what those prices are.
Obamacare Premiums In California May Rise 8 Percent Next Year, State Predicts
The projected increase in premiums is expected to draw national attention in an election year — especially from foes of the Affordable Care Act.
Minimum Wage Hike A Welcome Boost To Home Care Workers
New law will raise California’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2022-2023, offering “underpaid” home care workers some financial relief.
California’s Medical Board Declares Neutrality On Proposed Doctor Disclosure Law
In exchange for steering clear of the fight, the board that oversees California’s physicians requested amendments to a bill that would require doctors and other medical practitioners to inform patients if they are on probation.
State Makes Changes To Managed Care Program For Elderly, Disabled
In a shift of policy, California will no longer push low-income Californians who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid into managed care.
Gov. Brown Signs Law Raising Age For Buying Tobacco To 21
The higher legal age for tobacco use is widely expected to reduce addiction; it also applies to e-cigarettes.
Nobody’s Doing Enough About Opioid Epidemic — Not Government, Not Doctors, Not Users, Poll Says
Overdoses are kill thousands in California, tens of thousands throughout the nation.
Anthem Blue Cross Fined For Poor Handling Of Consumer Grievances
With a big merger pending, the health insurance giant is slammed with a $415,000 penalty from state regulators for inadequate attention to consumer complaints.
Medi-Cal’s Doctor Sign-Up System Finally Going Online
The government health insurance program for people with lower incomes will ditch the cumbersome paper system it uses to register medical professionals who want to provide their services.
Lawmakers Demand Quick Action On Covered California Pregnancy Snafu
Members of the state’s delegation in the U.S. Congress are asking authorities to alert customers that they could be switched from private insurance to Medi-Cal without consent or notice.