Capitol Desk

Latest California Healthline Stories

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.

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.

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.

Telehealth Gathering Steam

According to a new report from the California Telehealth Network, the past year has seen a wave of accomplishments and progress for telehealth technoloogy.

Hospital Buyer Agrees to AG Conditions

The state attorney general set stringent conditions on the sale of six Daughters of Charity hospitals, most of them safety-net facilities. The buyer, BlueMountain Capital Management, has agreed to abide by the terms.