Latest California Healthline Stories
Computer Program Used To Define Basic Coverage
A not-for-profit California organization has designed a project using a computer-based program to solicit public input on what basic coverage for the uninsured should include.
Retail Clinics Catering to Uninsured Hispanics
Some health care advocates question whether retail clinics offer patients comprehensive care, but operators of such clinics say they are providing services that are otherwise inaccessible to some patients.
Health Care Not a Prime Focus of Gubernatorial Election
Health care ranked sixth in a poll asking likely voters what issue they want gubernatorial candidates to discuss in their campaigns, a finding that some experts say is a function of electoral demographics: Likely voters are more likely to have health insurance coverage.
New Rules Might Limit Medi-Cal Benefits for Nursing Home Care
Under new federal rules, eligibility for nursing home benefits under Medi-Cal will be restricted to people whose home equity is $750,000 or less, a change that could have a big impact in states like California that have high real estate prices.
Counties Debate Effects of Medicaid Citizenship Law
California county officials are voicing concerns about what to expect when they began enforcing a new federal law that requires proof-of-citizenship to obtain Medicaid benefits and are questioning whether the expected fiscal savings will materialize.
Health Insurance Expansion Efforts Draw Attention
Efforts to reduce the number of uninsured residents are drawing new attention after Massachusetts approved a health insurance mandate last month. California legislators are among those debating what the plan could mean for health care reform efforts.
Health Coverage Mandates Raise New Issue in Debate
At least 30 states nationwide are considering legislation to require that large employers spend a percentage of their payroll on health care coverage for employees. Supporters say the efforts are intended to shore up Medicaid and other safety-net programs, but employers say such bills raise larger issues.
Health Care Costs, Expanding Coverage Expected To Figure in 2006 Legislative Session
Some people are expecting a changed dynamic between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and the Legislature in 2006, raising questions about what to expect in health policy this year.
Groups Look to Tobacco Tax Increase for Health Care Funding
Groups seeking to raise funds for children’s health insurance coverage, medical research, and tobacco cessation, as well as a group seeking funds for hospital emergency departments are considering ballot measures in 2006 to increase the state tobacco tax.
Healthy Kids Programs Gain Momentum in Counties Statewide
Four years after the first Healthy Kids program sprang up in Santa Clara County, homegrown health insurance programs have spread to almost half the counties in California, covering children who fall through the cracks in state and federal programs.