Latest California Healthline Stories
Scope-of-Practice Bill for Anesthesia
A dearth of anesthesiologists has prompted legislation to create a new tier of health care provider — anesthesia assistants — in California.
Study Shows Sharp Differences With Introduction, Withdrawal of Fructose
Patients displayed marked changes in just nine days of a fructose-heavy diet — and showed a similar reversal of changes when that fructose was withdrawn, a UC-San Francisco pilot study finds.
HIV Medication Decision in Florida May Have Implications in California
A lawsuit in Florida triggered an insurer’s decision to lower the price of certain HIV medications for consumers by assigning the drugs to the generic drug tier. Advocates say the move may affect California’s pricing.
State Submits $17B Waiver Plan; Advocates Urge Medi-Cal Rate Review
State officials’ request to renew California’s Medicaid waiver includes $17 billion in payment reform and delivery system projects. Advocates urge CMS to review Medi-Cal reimbursement rates in the process.
No-Cost Dental Event Highlights Care Gap
Thousands flocked to the Expo Center in Sacramento for a weekend of no-cost dental care, shining a spotlight on access and reimbursement issues in Denti-Cal.
CMS Settlement May Have Ripple Effect
Federal approval of a court settlement of a California case involving Medi-Cal could set a precedent applicable to another case involving Medicaid.
New Deterrent Opioids on State’s Radar
A bill in the Assembly aims to expand the use of a new kind of opioid designed to prevent patients from crushing or altering the medication, deterring one form of drug abuse.
Progress Reported in State’s Handling of Nursing Home Complaints
The days of 11,000 backlogged nursing home complaints are over, according to officials at the Department of Public Health.
State Readies Health Home Project
California is targeting super users of Medi-Cal with a new project to reduce preventable emergency department visits and hospital admissions.
If Duals Project Is Curtailed, Future Is Cloudy for Program for Frail Seniors
As part of California’s duals demonstration project, the state is phasing out the Multipurpose Senior Services Program designed for some of the frailest beneficiaries of Medicare and Medi-Cal. But that demonstration project itself could be ended prematurely.