Latest California Healthline Stories
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.
Calif., N.H. Seek To Help Consumers Get Details On Health Care Prices
California is expanding its report cards on large medical groups to include cost of medical services by an average patient. New Hampshire will list the cost of dental treatments and 65 prescription drugs.
Managing Depression A Challenge In Primary Care Settings, Study Finds
Primary care physicians see many patients with depression. New research finds they continue to struggle to apply the treatment strategies used for other chronic illnesses.
Retail Clinics Add Convenience But Also Hike Costs, Study Finds
Researchers say the clinics tucked in stores and pharmacies lead patients to seek more medical attention than they otherwise would for minor ailments.