Latest California Healthline Stories
Let the Budget Plan Pushback Begin
Gov. Brown’s proposed budget released last week brings into focus some of the likely areas of disagreement over health care spending.
Dual-Eligible Coordinated Care Program Gets Vote of Confidence in Gov.’s Budget
The state’s duals demonstration project, thought to be in danger of discontinuation, features prominently in the governor’s budget proposal — assuming a new managed care organization tax can be created.
Will New Medi-Cal Number Top 13 Million?
Gov. Brown’s budget proposal today will probably include a new updated number of Californians in the state’s Medicaid program. The total is expected to top 13 million for the first time.
MCO Tax a Looming Question in Governor’s Upcoming Budget Proposal
If calling a special legislative session didn’t work, what’s next on Gov. Brown’s agenda to replace the loss of the $1 billion managed care organization tax?
Scrutinizing Aetna-Humana Deal
At a public hearing yesterday weighing the merits and drawbacks of the Aetna/Humana merger, the director of the state Department of Managed Health Care said she’s wary of health insurance consolidation.
Feds OK California’s $6.2 Billion Waiver
California will start two pilot programs — a global payment system and the Whole Person Care pilot — as well as launch a dental incentive program and a public-hospital funding proposal under a Medi-Cal waiver approved last week by federal officials.
Insurers Earn $9.3 Million in Tax Credits
A California Department of Insurance program that rewards California insurers for investing in projects for underserved communities awarded $9.3 million in tax credits this month.
Polio-Like Illness Identified in California; Cause Remains Mystery, Reports Says
A mysterious polio-like illness has struck 59 people, mostly children, in California over the past three years. The cause of the illness remains unknown, according to a report today in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
State Urged To Protect Consumers in Proposed Centene-Health Net Merger
Consumer advocates, contending that “health care mergers generally lead to … fewer choices, inadequate physician networks and higher premiums,” are urging state officials to protect consumers in the proposed merger of Centene and Health Net.
According to a new report from the California Telehealth Network, the past year has seen a wave of accomplishments and progress for telehealth technoloogy.