Latest California Healthline Stories
Bill Passed To Undo ‘Step Therapy’ Rule
Under some health insurance rules, patients need to fail several therapies before their providers are allowed to prescribe what they want. The California Legislature approved a bill that could change that.
Bill for CMS Waiver Extension Quietly Heads to Governor for Signature
The Legislature won’t be in session when California’s current CMS waiver to keep the duals demonstration project going expires so lawmakers set up an extension process in case state and federal negotiators hit a snag.
California Advocates Welcome Federal Plan To Deal With Disparities in Medicare
California health advocates welcomed the announcement last week of a federal plan to address barriers to Medicare access and care experienced by a range of minority populations.
The California Legislature has finished its business for 2015 without replacing a tax on managed care organizations. However, the issue remains in play while the special session continues.
Committee Gives ‘Mega Bill’ Go-Ahead
A bill to revamp a managed care organization tax, impose new tobacco taxes and fund developmental disability services moved through committee yesterday in the California Legislature’s special session on health.
New Tobacco Tax Bill Touches All Bases
A new bill introduced in the California Legislature yesterday proposes a new tax on cigarettes and electronic cigarettes to raise money for a variety of purposes including solving the managed care tax conundrum, funding regional centers and boosting some Medi-Cal provider rates.
Day Care Worker Vaccine Bill Approved
The proposal to require day care workers in Calfiornia to get measles, whooping cough and flu immunizations has passed both legislative houses and is about to head to the governor.
State Gets Grant To Curb Opioid Misuse
California is getting a $3.7 million federal grant to help prevent misuse of prescribed opioid medications.
State Begins To Collect Back Payments From Pharmacies Over Medi-Cal Cuts
After two years of limbo while courts heard lawsuits challenging it, the Medi-Cal provider rate reduction was resolved in the state’s favor. Now the state wants to retroactively recoup 10% of the money it paid out during those years.
New Bill Seeks Tax on Cocktails To Raise Money for Developmental Disabilities
Funding the community-based system for Californians with developmental disabilities is the focus of the 31st bill to be introduced in the special legislative session on health.