Latest California Healthline Stories
Protest Rises Over Medi-Cal Rates
A Sacramento protest planned today is aimed at increasing pressure on the governor and legislators to raise Medi-Cal provider reimbursement rates and rescind previous rate reductions.
Medicinal Marijuana Bill Retooled
Medicinal marijuana is intended to improve Californians’ health, but unregulated pot can contain harmful pesticides and pose other health risks, according to a newly retooled bill.
Decision Time Coming for Legislation Providing Care to Undocumented
The governor’s resistance to extending full-scope health coverage to undocumented immigrants in California has met with the Legislature’s determination to do so — resulting in a scaled-back version of the proposal.
Davis Moves To Offer Soda Alternatives
Restaurants will be required to offer water or milk rather than soda in kids’ meals, according to an ordinance passed in the city of Davis.
State Has Good Care If You Can Get It, According to Text-Message Study
Researchers used text messages to survey low-income Californians who reported an overall positive experience with the state’s health care system.
Senate Approves Vaccination Requirement for Day Care Workers
The California Senate has approved a bill aimed at protecting preschool children by ensuring immunization among those who provide day care services.
State Responds to Concerns, Resets Timeline for Senior Program Transition
State health officials announced they would extend the timeline for transition of frail and elderly Californians from the Multipurpose Senior Services Program into managed care plans.
State Closing Last Three Developmental Centers; Community ‘Blindsided’ by Plan
At a state Senate subcommittee hearing yesterday on the pending closure of California’s remaining developmental centers, advocates expressed concern over what one called an “unrealistic” timetable.
Scope of Practice Bill Sent to Senate Floor
The California Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill that would expand the scope of practice for some optometrists in an effort to ease the primary care provider shortage.
Budget Bargaining Begins in Earnest
California’s improving economic outlook could prompt a more aggressive legislative spending push when budget bargaining gets underway in earnest this week in Sacramento.