Latest California Healthline Stories
Special Session Bills Keep On Coming
The California Legislature’s special session on health was supposed to focus on replacing the managed care organization tax, but it has become fertile ground for dozens of other health-related bills.
Health Plan To Return to Local Control?
More than a year after the state took over the finances and operation of Alameda Alliance for Health, the local health plan is poised to take the reins itself.
Another Tobacco Bill Off to Governor
Major league baseball players will have to give up the chaw — at least while they’re playing games in California — if the governor signs a ban on smokeless tobacco passed yesterday by the California Legislature.
Committee OKs Vaccine Requirement for Day Care Workers; Floor Vote Next
A bill requiring people working with children in day care centers to be immunized against influenza, whooping cough and measles was approved by the Assembly Committee on Appropriations yesterday.
Rural Northern Counties Set To Launch Pilot Palliative Health Care Initiative
A new pilot program in four rural California counties will provide palliative care and services to Medicaid managed care patients through home visits and phone contact.
Tobacco Bills Headed for Senate Floor
A half dozen tobacco bills — including legislation to regulate electronic cigarettes and raise the legal smoking age to 21 — passed the state Senate appropriations committee and are headed for a floor vote.
Federal Court Sides With Home Workers
California got the green light to implement an overtime pay requirement for home health workers, possibly in the fall. However, that light turns yellow if the case is appealed to the Supreme Court.
Republicans Balk at Revised MCO Tax
A hearing this week during the California Legislature’s special session on health care laid out the challenges of crafting a revision of the managed care organization tax that would be fair to everyone. Republicans raised the “no new taxes” flag.
Exchange Ponders Adult Vision Benefit
Covered California is considering adding adult vision benefits to insurance coverage sold through the exchange.
Governor Signs Bill Allowing Mid-Level Practitioners To OK Resuscitative Edicts
California physician assistants and nurse practitioners can approve patient wishes regarding resuscitative measures under legislation approved yesterday by the governor.