Latest Morning Briefing Stories
A Community Seeks Answers, Assurances About Health Care — In 10 Languages
A forum for Asian immigrants in Oakland draws a crowd so large some attendees had to be seated in an overflow room. Many immigrants are eager for information relevant to them as changes to the health care system are debated in Washington.
Covered California Tells Insurers To Plan For The Worst
The state health insurance exchange has instructed its participating health plans to submit alternative proposals for premium hikes that would offset the potential loss of an important source of federal funding.
California’s New Single-Payer Proposal Embraces Some Costly Old Ways
The legislation would revive the age-old practice of paying providers for every service they perform — a recipe for a busted budget, some experts say. Backers say the bill is a work in progress.
For California Hospitals That Don’t Pass Quake Test, Money’s Mostly At Fault
Some hospitals are using innovative financing for retrofitting work as a state deadline to meet seismic safety requirements approaches in 2020.
Citing CBO Report, Critics Decry GOP Bill’s Potential Fallout In California
“I feel like I am in a bad dream,” said Sen. Ed Hernandez, who chairs the state Senate Health Committee.
CMS Gives States Until 2022 To Meet Medicaid Standards Of Care
In California, health officials are thankful for the extra time. They have encountered challenges, including how to pay for the required changes.
Tab For Single-Payer Proposal In California Could Run $400 Billion
A state Senate panel considering the measure said money for existing public programs could cover half the cost. But the rest might have to come from new taxes — a serious political obstacle.
Blue Shield Has Highest Share Of Enrollees In Covered California
Covered California enrollees continue to be among the healthiest in the nation, which exchange officials hope will hold down rate hikes next year.
Putting A Lid On Waste: Needless Medical Tests Not Only Cost $200B — They Can Do Harm
The health care industry thrives on ordering up tests and treatments, but some hospitals are urging restraint.
California To Pay About $1.3 Billion For Medicaid Expansion In First Year Of State Contributions
The payment is only 5 percent of the total cost of Medi-Cal’s expansion this year, but experts say it adds to an already-stretched budget.