Latest California Healthline Stories
Big Insurance Deal Under Scrutiny in California
Anthem and Cigna must persuade insurance commissioner Dave Jones their proposed $54 billion mega-merger is a good thing.
Device Maker Olympus Hiked Prices For Scopes As Superbug Infections Spread
The device manufacturer had a close relationship with Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles — until its scopes were linked to infections and the company raised the price for new ones by 28 percent.
More Sickle Cell Patients Survive, But Care Is Hard To Find For Adults
For many years, most people with sickle cell died in childhood or adolescence, and the condition remained in the province of pediatrics. During the past two decades, advances in routine care have allowed many people to live into middle age and beyond, but barriers to care remain.
Pharmaceutical Company Has Hiked Price On Aid-In-Dying Drug
Valeant Pharmaceuticals, the company that makes Seconal, the drug most commonly used in prescribed for terminally ill patients who want to end their lives, physician-assisted suicide, has doubled the price to more than $3,000.
State Regulators Green Light $6.8 Billion Health Insurance Merger
On Tuesday, the two agencies regulating health insurance in California approved the $6.8 billion acquisition of Health Net by Centene Corp., clearing away the final hurdle to the deal.
$6.8 Billion Health Insurance Merger Clears First State Hurdle
The Department of Managed Health Care approves the sale of Health Net to Centene. Next up: the Department of Insurance.
Hackers Seek Ransom From Two More Southern California Hospitals
A malware attack against two Prime Healthcare hospitals in South California, which federal authorities are investigating, comes soon after a case in which hackers demanded ransom from a Los Angeles hospital.
Battle Heating Up Over ‘Surprise’ Medical Bills
Legislators hope to stop “surprise” medical bills that have many patients livid and are pitting health plans and consumer advocates against the state’s leading physician group.
California Insurance Marketplace Wants To Kick Out Poor-Performing Hospitals
Providers and insurers are balking at a Covered California proposal to eject hospitals with inordinately high costs and low quality from its networks.
Saving Amanda: One Family’s Struggle To Deal With A Daughter’s Mental Illness
It took eight years for Amanda Lipp to get adequate care for her mental illness. Now, she and her mom, Pam, are sharing their story to fight stigma around mental illness so others don’t have to go it alone.